I am currently in the field of Residential cleaning, but I am leaning more towards the commercial aspect of the industry. I am wondering how I can make my business appeal to commercial customers in the field. I currently run ads in local papers that are mailed to 250,000 homes every week. I also will have a website completed this week! I do free online classifieds also...
I am trying to get maximum exposure with not a lot of money being spent, at the same time...
Any advice is greatly appreciated.. Thank You

Hey, you did post it, Cleaningman23! Thanks!

Hopefully, we'll be on here at the same time soon so that we can work on this!

In the meantime, you might want to please click HERE (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Clough+Quad+Cities&btnG=Search) and take a look at how I've worded some of my own ads.

Thanks!

Hi again, Cleaningman23!

I did receive your private message. Maybe tomorrow night we could coordinate being on here at the same time? As you can see, I'm usually on here pretty late. Sometimes I'm working late for customers. I tend to start my work a little later in the day.

I'm a night person...

The nature of most of my work does allow me the freedom to work late at night.

How about around 10:00 P.M. your time tomorrow?

What I would suggest that you do for now, is to post a sample of what you might say in an ad or on your website so that we can work on the wording of it in order to get you the maximum exposure that you can.

Please don't post any contact information in what you post though, since this site does get excellent exposure when people do searches for things on the Internet and it's not to be used for advertising.

Another thing that I'd like for you to do, if you would, would be to join the following sites. You may have already joined one or more of them.

http://www.hoobly.com/

DomesticSale - The Effective Free Classifieds (http://www.domesticsale.com/)

Naymz: Over a million people use our platform to build professional relationships. (http://www.naymz.com/)

LinkedIn: Relationships Matter (http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=ppro_pbli)

MerchantCircle.com | Find new customers. (http://www.merchantcircle.com/corporate/)

Thanks!

Hi, Cleaningman23!

I'm online now and available if you are.

Thanks!

Im on right now lol.. its 12:30 haha I thought u said u were a late nighter... haha jk:D

I'm here right now! Was playing a game and waiting for those whom I left posts for being online to help them.

Did you join those sites?

Yes I did! I joined all of them except merchant circle.. They were asking me for my phone number and I was unsure if they forward it to telemarketers.. So that's the only one I didn't touch...
Haha I was just about to sign off then I got your email

Now you were saying that you wanted me to post my most recent ad on here.. did u want me to tell you what it says.

Yes, I would like for you to tell me what it says, without putting in any contact information.

I've never had any problems with Merchant Circle since joining them a number of months ago. So, I wouldn't worry about that if I were you.

Thanks!

Current the ad says.. fake name and number applied

" Mr fair Cleaning Inc" (With logo)
Commercial and Residential Maid Services
All Homes Go through our 53-point cleaning Check list

"visa and master card logos"

Fully Insured & Bonded
Call Today
(333)333-3333
www.mrcleaaaaner.com

Out of all the ads running next to it.. In my opinion its looks the most professional.. next to my major competitor "the Maids"

Okay, please let me work on that for a few moments...

First thing is that we should put an ad on hoobly.com. The ad should appear in searches on Google within minutes.

What are your specialties as far as cleaning and what are the names of the cities in which you are willing to travel to clean, please?

Thanks!

OK. Thank You. My specialties as far as cleaning.. Is the maid services... Dry Clean Carpet services.. floor buffing services for residential customers...
Here is a map of my coverage area

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i200/outcast6255/Map.jpg

Please give me a few minutes...

Please click on the following search.

Chicago Area Cleaners - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Chicago+Area+Cleaners&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=)

We need to find who your competition is as far as titles for what you do.

Please help me with figuring out the titles. The search was one of the ways that the title could be.

Thanks!

Current the ad says.. fake name and number applied

" Mr fair Cleaning Inc" (With logo)
Commercial and Residential Maid Services
All Homes Go through our 53-point cleaning Check list

"visa and master card logos"

Fully Insured & Bonded
Call Today
(333)333-3333
www.mrcleaaaaner.com (http://www.mrcleaaaaner.com)

The link that you provided goes to a Mediacom search and not the real website.

Thanks!

Here is all of my competitors all summed up in one page lol

cleaning services and maids orland park - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=cleaning+services+and+maids+orland+park&btnG=Search)

Did u want my real website..?
Its actually offline at the moment but I can show you wha tit looks like if you want.. my web designer is putting it live on Monday..

It would be okay to list your actual website. But, you might want to list it as a tiny url instead of all the words for the link so that we don't get in trouble here with using this site for advertising.

You would do that by clicking on the Insert Link function for posting.

Thanks!

Ok I am going to send you the web address in a private message...
The website is not finished at this moment and has no pics uploaded to it at the moment.. so please don't laugh lol

It would be okay and preferable to post it here, on the thread.

Nothing to be embarrassed about! Not all of my websites are complete... You should and also can have a number of websites that won't cost you anything.

Thanks!

Okay, I've seen your website. Let's work on the hoobly ad. You can put a link to your website on hoobly.

Ok. :-) Im on hoobly right now... I actually was looking for cleaning services and did not see anything... some direction would be helpful hehe.. What did you think of the site? Once the pictures and other things are put in.. I know its static but do you think it looks professional enough to catch the typical wandering patron or customer?

I found post an ad.. What do reccoment for the headline... I typical put my business name and residential and commercial cleaning

I'm working on your ad right now.

Thanks!

Okok sorry for interruption
But I would like to sayThank you for taking the time though with this ad.. I really do appreciate all your help

Chicago, IL Cleaning Service

We offer general cleaning of offices and homes. Bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, furniture, etc. Carpet and hard floor surface cleaning. Floor stripping, buffing and waxing. Window cleaning.

Serving the areas of Cook County and beyond.

Prompt, neat and dependable. Reasonable rates and free estimates.

Please contact (Your contact information.)

For more information, please visit our website at (URL of website.)

Keywords: Chicago cleaning contractor, Chicago maid service, Chicago carpet cleaning, Illinois commercial and residential maid services, cleaning services in Illinois, Illinois janitorial service

(I would then list the names of every city that you are willing to serve and how you will serve. Such as, Joliet IL cleaning service, Downer's Grove IL carpet cleaning, etc.) Please get creative and list a whole bunch of things that you can and will do.

Thanks!

okok sorry for interruption
But I would like to sayThank you for taking the time though with this ad.. I really do appreciate all your help

No problem! I'm here to help! :)

Please let me know when you've posted the hoobly ad.

Thanks!

What should I do for my headline... my business name?

People aren't going to be looking for you by your business name but by what you do.

Chicago, IL Cleaning Service should work just fine for a title for this test. We're trying to beat your competition here, and your business name isn't the way to do that. How you word the ads is the way to do that.

Thanks!

One more thing lol but I can't find cleaning services under the sub categories.. should I do something else

Thanks

Please study how I've worded various ads by clicking HERE (http://www.hoobly.com/members/clough/).

Thanks!

one more thing lol but i can't find cleaning services under the sub categories..should i do something else

Thanks

Let me logon to hoobly and check it out.

Please study how I've worded various ads by clicking HERE (http://www.hoobly.com/members/clough/).

Thanks!



Oh OK I understand where you are coming from now!

Thanks for the input!

Much Appreciated!

Home & Garden then Housekeeping would be one category.

Business & Industrial, Construction might be another area.

I agree that it's hard to find a cleaning category on there. They've changed the site since I first joined.

Here is the ad I hope it looks all right... did I do everything correctly?
If not I can edit it... much appreciated!
Thank You

http://www.hoobly.com/0/0/833705.html

Where is the link to the ad, please?

Thanks!

Oops! I now see that you posted it! We crossed paths at the same time!

I had another question.. What did you think of my website did u think it was professional did u think it looks competittive with others??
Criticism is fine with me...
And with my ad running in the paper...
In the past I have ran in the same paper and gained over 10 customers in a 2 month span from it...


The wording I sent youl.. does it sound all right or sohuld I reword it a little bit

Okay, let's see how many minutes it takes to appear in a Google search.

Please open another browser and do a search for Chicago, IL Cleaning Service.

Thanks!

I think that you could put more of the names of the cities in there where you'll be willing to work.

That's one way to improve your ad.

That specific paper is mailed directly to 250,000 homes only within the main areas of my interest.. its actually a real neat advertisement paper.. cause people don't have to go buy it and it comes in the mail for free! Right in their mailboxes.. that is why I don't say in it where I do job.. does that makes sense? I hope lol

Thanks again for the help and info with the ad.. I really do appreciate it from you and stringer also!
But do you think we can start resume this conversation back up tomorrow around the same time? I still have some questions about appealing to commercial clients in such a alrge industry and single targeting them... if tomorrow is not good I can do Sunday also.. just let me know the best time though cause its defiantly past my bedtime lol

If you're going to be placing ads on the Internet on classified sites or on a website, it's best to be listing as many keywords as you can.

I once had someone who was looking for goats in Iowa (they are an animal rescue) decide to have their piano tuned because they accidentally came across my ad for piano tuning.

Thanks again for the help and info with the ad.. I really do appreciate it from you and stringer also!!
But do you think we can start resume this convo back up tomorrow around the same time? I still have some questions about appealing to commercial clients in such a alrge industry and single targeting them... if tomorrow is not good I can do sunday also.. just let me know the best time though cause its defiantly past my bedtime lol

I'll be back on here at about the same time tomorrow night. I'm sure that Stringer would like to give his input also. He really knows about this type of industry. My particular expertise is with advertising and promotion.

Thanks!

If you're going to be placing ads on the Internet on classified sites or on a website, it's best to be listing as many keywords as you can.

I once had someone who was looking for goats in Iowa (they are an animal rescue) decide to have their piano tuned because they accidentally came across my ad for piano tuning.

Haha you know what I actually never thought about that.! You never know who's going to run across your ad anywhere.. that exposure is what brings them in..

Thanks clough!

Talk to you soon!

Enjoy this weather!
And hope you have a nice weekend!

Sometimes I even put things like Quad Cities lowest gas prices, or something else in my ads so that people will find me by accident.

I haven't gotten too adventuresome with that though, but I think that sex and politics would be a couple of other areas where people could be drawn to my ads because of what they are looking for.

I wish and hope for you a goodnight and also a great weekend! :)

I was just thinking (perish the thought!) and forgot, that one thing that you should also put in your ads and on any websites you have is your first and last name.

Doing that will help to give you credibility. It's been mentioned to me previously by a customer, that by my putting enough personal information in an ad, it helped them in their decision to contact me.

Thanks!

13 hours later, you're towards the top on the second page of a Google search. I'm sure that we can get you on the first page at the top or near the top.

18641

13 hours later, you're towards the top on the second page of a Google search. I'm sure that we can get you on the first page at the top or near the top.

18641


Wow Clough! You are good!! Even number 13 is pretty good especially keeping in mind that there are thousands of other search options that showed up...

Lets work on another one tonight! How often can you repost on these sites.. Is it a weekly thing like craigslist.. Do they let you post everyday...

Let me know what time you will be on tonight.. I should be on around 11



Thanks Again for the help and advice clough!@@ Talk to you soon!

Hi, Cleaningman23!

I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to get back to you! I have been busy, so haven't been on the Internet so much in recent days. Please let me know if you would like to work on this more.

Thanks!

Yea! I defiantly do! I just finished my website and went live today!I also obtained about 40 different keywords that we can use for an ad!
Just let me know what time tomorrow and ill be on!!

Thanks again for the help!

I'm on right now, Cleaningman23, and I'll also be on later tonight starting at about 10:00 P.M.

In answer to your questions in post #52, different advertising sites will vary greatly in the amount of days, months or even years that ads can be run on them. I would flood any one site with the same kind of ads though, because all of them that I've used don't like spam.

Thanks!

Are you there, Cleaningman23?

Hey sorry I didn't get back to last night... Can you let me know what time you will be on tonight if you are going to be on... For some reason the clock on these forums for me is messed up and they give the wrong time for the postings on the forum...

Let me know though! Any time after 10 ill be on tnight!

Thanks Again!

Hi, Cleaningman23!

I'll be on tonight after 10:00 P.M. Hope to work with you then! Am just checking in for right now.

Thanks!

Are you there clough I'm ready to do this hahaha

Hi, Cleaningman23!

I just noticed that you were here. Can you wait for about 10 minutes because I need to leave to go get something?

Okay?

Thanks!

Hi, Cleaningman23!

I just noticed that you were here. Can you wait for about 10 minutes because I need to leave to go get something?

Okay?

Thanks!

No Problem! Just let me know when your done!

Okay, I'm back! What were the names of the advertising sites that you've already joined, please?

Thanks!

Okay, I'm back! What were the names of the advertising sites that you've already joined, please?

Thanks!


I have joined all the sites that you explained to me earlier when talked.. and craigslist
I also have enrolled in Google Adwords for my website... Facebook Adwords... and Microsoft adwords... I have also enrolled in a program through godaddy.com called traffic blazer... which uses keywords and submits them to all the popular search engines on the internet... I also just finished my website.. Dirt Dusters Cleaning Inc. (http://www.dirtdusters.com) can you take a look at it and give me your opinion on it... Much appreciated!

I've just been to your site. Is your first and last name of you as a person on it?

I've also checked out your hoobly.com ad again tonight. I had previously made the suggestion to put the names of the towns and cities on it.

Please do that because you'll get better results.

Thanks!

Please click on the following links to see what I mean by putting more locations in ads.

HERE, (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Piano+Tuner+Rock+Island+County) HERE, (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Piano+Tuning%2C+Davenport%2C+Iowa)HERE, (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Pianos+Tuned+in+Bettendorf%2C+Iowa) HERE (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Piano+Lessons%2C+Music+Teacher+Quad+Cities)

I'm the one that's called Absolute and most of the other links on the first page and presumably the second page.

Thanks!

Did I lose you?

It's good to use unusual words not directly related to your business but that might be search terms that people might use around certain holidays so that people will find you by accident.

For instance, please click HERE. (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+Cities+Valentine%27s+Day+Special)

Because of the keywords that I used, I beat all of the florists in my area for Valentine's Day! I had quite a few ads for the special at the time. Most are expired now, though.

NO you didn't lose me! My son woke up I apologize ! I had to get him back to bed!

No my first and last name is not on it.. . should I get it on there?

What was your opinion of the site? Did you like it

Yess! I rember you telling me that! I am going to do that right now

Let me do that right now!

You should put your first and last name on any of your advertising as well as your site. It will help to give you credibility.

I've been testing aspects of your site and the hoobly.com ad.

Let's work on getting you on the first page of a google.com search!

I'm going to be doing a Mother's Day special for piano tuning. I haven't placed any ads yet, though...

Thanks!

You should put your first and last name on any of your advertising as well as your site. It will help to give you credibility.

I've been testing aspects of your site and the hoobly.com ad.

Let's work on getting you on the first page of a google.com search!

I'm going to be doing a Mother's Day special for piano tuning. I haven't placed any ads yet, though...

Thanks!

Ahh now I see what you mean! How about something like Have Us Clean for your mom for Mothers Day!?

Also... I have a list of towns... should I edit the ad I have now! Or should I create a new one? I also tied in all my keywords into the old ad I posted... theres over 80 keywords

Lol I am kind of laughing right now... cause right under my post right her eon this site... merry maids has a advertisement.. lets get them!

Yes, I think that you should edit your existing ads. You might title one of the ads like that. However, we would want to have people find you by accident as well because of something connected to Mother's Day in the vicinity where you will work.

lol i am kinda laughing right now... cause right under my post right her eon this site... merry maids has a advertisement..lets get em!

Wow! No kidding! I'll have to check it out! Is it on hoobly.com I'm on that site at the present time also.

I've got six tabs in two types of browsers open now!

You can beat them! :p

Yes, I think that you should edit your existing ads. You might title one of the ads like that. However, we would want to have people find you by accident as well because of something connected to Mother's Day in the vicinity where you will work.

Lol man your going to kill me but I went to go edit one of my existing ads and I accidentially clicked delete!

I redid the ad with the new headline and my keywords... where should I include all the cities though?


Thanks!

Okay, I see how you changed the hoobly.com ad. Where is your first and last name? I would suggest putting the cites something like the following:

City IL, City IL, City IL, City IL, City IL, City IL, etc. Cleaning Service in City, Maid Service in City, City IL Floor Maintenance, etc.

For hoobly, since it gets such great exposure, I would suggest making it Chicago, IL Cleaning and Maid Service.

Okay, I see how you changed the hoobly.com ad. Where is your first and last name? I would suggest putting the cites something like the following:

City IL, City IL, City IL, City IL, City IL, City IL, etc. Cleaning Service in City, Maid Service in City, City IL Floor Maintenance, etc.

For hoobly, since it gets such great exposure, I would suggest making it Chicago, IL Cleaning and Maid Service.

OK I am a little confused... Should I put all the towns or just do chicago Il cleaning and maid service??

Also sohuld I put that in the headline or the inside of the ad?

I forgot to add my name.. I was a little unsure about that since the whole big identity thing going around... are you wure it will work? Do I have to put my last night?

Remember searches like This? (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=%[email protected]%22+Craig+Clough&btnG=Search)

My first and last name are always in my ads and on my websites. There rarely is any sort of problem that occurs.

I would use Chicago, IL Cleaning and Maid Service for the title. I don't think that you need to list absolutely every city and town, but that counties can be included also.

Thanks!

You did see my Valentine's Day ad, correct?

Other possible keywords to use in your ads.

Chicago maid service | Chicago maids | Cleaning service Chicago
Commercial cleaning services in Chicago and suburbs area.
Cleaning service Chicago | office house cleaning services...
Chicago House Cleaning, Cleaning Services Illinois :: Chicago-IL Locate Cleaning Services, Service Cleaning Chicago, etc.

Those are keywords that are on the first page in the google.com search.

Other possible keywords to use in your ads.

Chicago maid service | Chicago maids | Cleaning service Chicago
Commercial cleaning services in Chicago and suburbs area.
Cleaning service Chicago | office house cleaning services ...
Chicago House Cleaning, Cleaning Services Illinois :: Chicago-IL Locate Cleaning Services, Service Cleaning Chicago, etc.

Those are keywords that are on the first page in the google.com search.

Ok I added those keywords and reworded the ad... I also added the counties that I serve@ check it out and let me know! Yes I seen your ad

Thanks! Much Appreciated!

I'll check it out! On my Valentine's Special ad, I tried to use every keyword that I could about Valentine's Day around where I live.

I also added these keywords at the bottom of my ad?

Do they sound good?

Mothers Day
Mothers Day Flowers
Hallmark Cards
Mothers Day Card
Mom
Dad
Fathers Day

Okay, I've seen the change.

This is what I would suggest you change the following part to:

Will County Cleaning Service, Du Page County IL Cleaners, Tinley Park IL Maid Service, Orland Park IL Housecleaning, Mokena IL Janitorial Service, Cleaning Service in Frankfort IL, Homer Glen IL Office Cleaning, Palos Park IL Cleaners, Palos Hills IL Sanitation Service, Sanitary Cleaners in Hickory Hills IL, Lockport IL Floor Cleaning and Buffing, Lemont IL Janitorial Service

I also added these keywords at the bottom of my ad ??

Do they sound good??

Mothers Day
Mothers Day Flowers
Hallmark Cards
Mothers Day Card
Mom
Dad
Fathers Day

Yes, they sound good!

Here's a suggestion for some of them as well as others that you might use.
Mother's Day in Chicago, Find Mother's Day Flowers in Chicago, Mother's Day Dinner in Chicago, Chicagoland Mother's Day Events, Celebrate Mother's Day in Chicago.

The same could be applied for Father's Day.

Are you going to run some kind of special because of the holiday?

Thanks!

Okay, I've seen the change.

This is what I would suggest you change the following part to:

Will County Cleaning Service, Du Page County IL Cleaners, Tinley Park IL Maid Service, Orland Park IL Housecleaning, Mokena IL Janitorial Service, Cleaning Service in Frankfort IL, Homer Glen IL Office Cleaning, Palos Park IL Cleaners, Palos Hills IL Sanitation Service, Sanitary Cleaners in Hickory Hills IL, Lockport IL Floor Cleaning and Buffing, Lemont IL Janitorial Service

Ok I did what you said...

I also added in "swine Flu" into my keywords since I think a lot pf people are using that term right now lol

Does that sound like a smart thing to do??

I put kill swine flu lol...

Yes, it's fine to put swine flu in it! You might also want to put some helpful links about the swine flu in your ad!

Please click HERE (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+Cities+Christmas+and+Thanksgiving) and in particular, HERE. (http://www.eons.com/blogs/entry/1327846-Quad-Cities-Thanksgiving-and-Christmas-2-8)

I think that most of my ads concerning that time have expired, though.

Thanks!

Another thing about hoobly.com, is to be sure to check the internal messaging system on it! I had a couple of inquiries about two months ago that I didn't know were there!

Thanks!

Its like you read my mind lol

I just checked my email and seen that I had a inquiry from a potential customer that needs cleaning... to bad I don't service his area though... he said he wanted some pianos dusted hahahaa jk

But you thanks for keeping a look out!

Btw you think we can make it on page 1? Of Google?

Also what are some good ways to get people to my website...

:-) Much appreciated

I think that you're going to need to post some additional ads in order to make it on the first page of a Google search. I think part of the reason that mine are so well exposed is because I'm "out there" so much.

Yeah, too bad you don't service his area, because his pianos really need to be dusted!

I'm going to place my Mother's Day special ad, now.

Let's see what happens!

Thanks!

Hehe

Ill eventually get it...

I am going to steal the Skeleton of the ads you put out and repost them with cleaning words and my logo!!

Haha

Yes. You do seem to be everywhere though lol

I want to see this ad though :-)

well clough maybe we can work on this tomorrow.. its getting late... I have some additional questions for you... about getting my website to get more views on it...

If you want to.. we can resume tomorrow night and go from there...

Your help and time on here tonight is much appreciated and valued ! Thank You for all the advice! God Bless! Hope you are feeling better !

Thanks! I've taken somewhat of a downturn in health in the past couple of days, but hope to be on the mend soon! My arms feel like they're going to drop off and I have very little strength in my arms and hands. Painted another ceiling last week as well as tuned a piano twice in one sitting that was the worst sounding piano that I've ever heard for a customer!

I have to direct my barbershop chorus in a performance tomorrow night as well as a performance, so it probably won't be until around 11:00 that I get on here.

I'll let you know how soon my Mother's day hoobly ad appears. I copied and pasted my Valentine's day one and just need to change some of the words. I hope that hoobly doesn't delete it like they did my Valentine's Day ad. I had it loaded with so many things that I think they perceived it as being spam. It appeared within minutes on the first page of a Google search. We have to be kind of careful with these advertising sites, because some of them can be really picky about what's posted on them.

We'll talk more later about the website thing. What I think that you should do is to start at least several more websites that are free to start and put various things on them that will attract what people are searching for.

A couple of years ago, it used to be that there were over 5,000 links to websites that had my email address on them. Some of those sites no longer exist or don't allow advertising on them anymore.

There's always new advertising websites springing up, though. We just have to search for them.

I just closed off with a guy in Canada. We're composing a song together. So, I guess that I'll wish you a very pleasant and restful sleep also!

God's Love and Blessings to You!

Goodnight! :)

I have a carpet cleaning business with about $250,000 in sales per year. We paid a lot of money in yellowpage ads for residential business the first two years, and it did not provide much fruit. We are now 99% commercial. All of our commercial work was attained by knocking on doors and having a flyer and business card ready.

I do hope that you return sometime, Cleaningman23! I was really enjoying working on this with you!

Thanks!

I do hope that you return sometime, Cleaningman23! I was really enjoying working on this with you!

Thanks!

Nonono The pleasures all mine and Thank You once again for all you help and advice!
But!
I am back clough! How is the Mothers day ad coming along for you?
I am not sure with any results on mine yet?
Let me know the next time you will be on! :0)

Cloughhh where are you@!

I need my piano tuned!!

Haha jking

Lets do this tonight!

I'm here but am having some difficulty being on the Internet because of living in someone else's home. Will hope to be back to normal sometime soon!

Thanks!

I'm here but am having some difficulty being on the Internet because of living in someone else's home. Will hope to be back to normal sometime soon!!

Thanks!!

Clough where are you!! I want to continue this :) I hope all is well

I am here, Cleaningman23!

Hopefully, within the next couple of days, I should be back to normal at my home and able to use my own computer, full-time!

I also hope that you're well! :)

Thanks!

I have a carpet cleaning business with about $250,000 in sales per year. We paid alot of money in yellowpage ads for residential business the first two years, and it did not provide much fruit. We are now 99% commercial. All of our commercial work was attained by knocking on doors and having a flyer and business card ready.

I had a question about your answer...
You say all your business is from knocking on doors?
Now is that knocking on commercial businesses?
Also is it just a commercial carpet cleaning co.
Or do you also clean offices?
What are the other means of obtaining these commercial customers?

I had a question about your answer...
You say all your business is from knocking on doors?
Now is that knocking on commercial businesses?
Also is it just a commercial carpet cleaning co.?
Or do you also clean offices?
What are the other means of obtaining these commercial customers?

Morning,

How are you cleaningman? I only have a few minutes, I have a meetings with our accountants and then two appointments this afternoon.

I wanted to say that anything other than residential is considered commercial which includes offices. Whether it is regular cleaning, carpets, windows, etc... these are the two primary markets.

Stringer

Morning,

How are you cleaningman? I only have a few minutes, I have a meetings with our accountants and then two appointments this afternoon.

I wanted to say that anything other than residential is considered commercial which includes offices. Whether it is regular cleaning, carpets, windows, etc.....these are the two primary markets.

Stringer

Good Morning Stringer!

Ok ! I understand.. That's always hard to distinquish . I always wondered if windows was considered more residential than commercial but I guess you are right!

Thanks for the input ! Once again! I hope can maybe teach you something one day ! Haha just jkin

Good Morning Stringer!

Ok ! I understand.. Thats always hard to distinquish . I always wondered if windows was considered more residential than commercial but I guess you are right!

Thanks for the input ! Once again! I hope can maybe teach you something one day ! haha just jkin

I know that this is going to sound like an old quote but;

I learn at least three new things a day, everyday. Watching, listening and reading.

Stringer

I know that this is going to sound like an old quote but;

I learn at least three new things a day, everyday. Watching, listening and reading.

Stringer

My quote is


"I learn three new cleaning facts everyday from askmehelp.com and from you! stringer"""Thank Heavens"

Haha jkin

My quote is


"I learn three new cleaning facts everyday from askmehelp.com and from you! stringer"""Thank Heavens"

haha jkin

Thank you for the compliment.

Talk with you later... gotta go... wish me luck today, always helps.

Thank yo for the compliment.

Talk with you later...gotta go...wish me luck today, always helps.

GOOD LUCK!!

Haha

Wish me some too!
I don't mind rubbing off your successful luck that you carry

Hehe jkin

Good Luck!
TTYL!

Well, we both know that you get 'lucky' when you bust you a$$, put in the time, and are prepared,. and pray a lot.

Stringer

Well, we both know that you get 'lucky' when you bust you a$$, put in the time, and are prepared, .....and pray a lot.

Stringer

I try to bust my A$$ out her ein the Chicago Area

But I think you took all the commercial jobs in the Chicago Area!

I have been trying to find a commercial office to bid on in the past 3 months and have had no luck:(

I try to bust my A$$ out her ein the Chicago Area

But I think you took all the commercial jobs in the Chicago Area!

I have been trying to find a commercial office to bid on in the past 3 months and have had no luck:(

Funny (Ha), I wish that were true...

As you know, I have been in this business for 35 years in one capacity or another, and I still knock on doors, along with other methods. Gets new business and keeps my fingers in the pie and besides, I really enjoy it.

By the way, although you may get some jobs sooner of course, the 'lead time' on decent sized jobs from initial contact to contract is generally 3 months. So you should getting a ton... very soon, right? Good luck, keep knocking...

Stringer

Funny (Ha), I wish that were true....

As you know, I have been in this business for 35 years in one capacity or another, and I still knock on doors, along with other methods. Gets new business and keeps my fingers in the pie and besides, I really enjoy it.

By the way, although you may get some jobs sooner of course, the 'lead time' on decent sized jobs from initial contact to contract is generally 3 months. So you should get getting a ton ....very soon, right? Good luck, keep knocking.....

Stringer
Hey I want to dig my fingers into the pie also lol

When I opened up business one of the ladies at the borders book store in my chicago area said they were canning the company..
so I have followed up with them and have seen no response!

Do you usually randomly walk into businesses even if it says no soliciting? Lol
I also go a residential house bid and the client explained to me they were firing their current cleaning co but not until September (20000 sq ft office)
Her current provider was cardinal cleaning... May I ask are they one of your competitors? Lol

Or are you them hahah! :rolleyes: watch out here comes the pieeeeeeeeee jkin

Hey I want to dig my fingers into the pie also lol

When I opened up business one of the ladies at the borders book store in my chicago area said they were canning the company..
so I have followed up with them and have seen no response!

Do you usually randomly walk into businesses even if it says no soliciting? lol
I also go a residential house bid and the client explained to me they were firing their current cleaning co but not until september (20000 sq ft office)
Her current provider was cardinal cleaning..... May I ask are they one of your competitors? lol

Or are you them hahah! :rolleyes: watch out here comes the pieeeeeeeeee jkin

NO, I am not Cardinal Cleaning, however they are a good competitor in my market niche.

Are you saying the Cardinal was/is bidding on residential cleaning? And this house was 20,000 sq ft? Interesting... as they have been strictly commercial from my knowledge of them... We have some accounts that they have been after for many years and they have a few that we want... and probably will eventually get, I believe.

We have won some and lost some to Cardinal. Some companies are not beyond stretching the truth some when it comes to their competitors. Although I am not particularly saying that about them.

"watch out here comes the pieeeeeeeeee jkin[/QUOTE]"

Doesn't bother me a bit jkin, there has been and will always be enough to go around for those companies that do it the right way. In fact, I wish you well, I always enjoy beating a good competitor... ha ha. There is so much business on the south side that you should be busier than h3ll... If things go well, I am certain that we will face each other out there somewhere, better be prepared my friend... be prepared. :)

Stringer

NO, I am not Cardinal Cleaning, however they are a good competitor in my market niche.

Are you saying the Cardinal was/is bidding on residential cleaning? And this house was 20,000 sq ft? Interesting.....as they have been strictly commercial from my knowledge of them....We have some accounts that they have been after for many years and they have a few that we want...and probably will eventually get, I believe.

We have won some and lost some to Cardinal. Some companies are not beyond stretching the truth some when it comes to their competitors. Although I am not particularly saying that about them.

"watch out here comes the pieeeeeeeeee jkin"

Doesn't bother me a bit jkin, there has been and will always be enough to go around for those companies that do it the right way. In fact, I wish you well, I always enjoy beating a good competitor... ha ha. There is so much business on the south side that you should be busier than h3ll... If things go well, I am certain that we will face each other out there somewhere, better be prepared my friend... be prepared. :)

Stringer[/QUOTE]

Ahhh
You have mis read me my friend. Here is how the story goes. This lead(customer) called me for an estimate for a house she was selling, which had her family living it...
This place was disgusting and really dirt...
She wanted me to go under beds and go under couches and the works.. basement etc

I gave her a fair estimate for $175.00

I did a follow up call with her to clean the house.. and received no call back...

She then explained to me that the office she works at 20,000 sq ft. Currently has Cardinal Cleaning servicing their office...
And that she called them to clean her house also...

Which I did not know cardinal cleaning did residential


Apparently they do...

Sooooo


She asked me when I was there that they are most likely going to fire cardinal... and accepting bids in july-august-march

Sooo I am waiting to follow up with it... But for a low fee of 49.99 I can forward you this lead and we can do some business together

Haha Jkin

Yes but I am hoping it may be a chance... who knows until then

If she did not call back about the residential house , I am unsure about the office...

" [/I][/B]

Doesn't bother me a bit jkin, there has been and will always be enough to go around for those companies that do it the right way. In fact, I wish you well, I always enjoy beating a good competitor...ha ha. There is so much business on the south side that you should be busier than h3ll....If things go well, I am certain that we will face each other out there somewhere, better be prepared my friend...be prepared. :)

Stringer

Ahhh
You have mis read me my friend. Here is how the story goes. This lead(customer) called me for an estimate for a house she was selling, which had her family living it...
This place was disgusting and really dirt...
She wanted me to go under beds and go under couches and the works.. basement etc

I gave her a fair estimate for $175.00

I did a follow up call with her to clean the house.. and received no call back...

She then explained to me that the office she works at 20,000 sq ft. Currently has Cardinal Cleaning servicing their office...
And that she called them to clean her house also...

Which I did not know cardinal cleaning did residential


Apparently they do...

Sooooo


She asked me when I was there that they are most likely going to fire cardinal... and accepting bids in july-august-march

Sooo I am waiting to follow up with it... But for a low fee of 49.99 I can forward you this lead and we can do some business together

Haha Jkin

Yes but I am hoping it may be a chance... who knows until then

If she did not call back about the residential house , I am unsure about the office... [/QUOTE]

If you have the address of the 20,000 sq ft office...then if I were you, I would go knock on the door. Good luck.....

Hi, guys!

When I was picking up my meds at Wal-Mart, I got a piano tuning simply because of what I said to the check-out lady about what I needed to do for the evening.

It can pay to mention what you do, no matter what situation you're in.

Thanks!

Clough where are you!!! I want to continue this :) I hope all is well

I'm still here, but am still having some difficulties here with which I need to deal.

Am looking forward to further dialogue with you, Cleaningman23!

Thanks!

Hi, guys!

When I was picking up my meds at Wal-Mart, I got a piano tuning simply because of what I said to the check-out lady about what I needed to do for the evening.

It can pay to mention what you do, no matter what situation you're in.

Thanks!

I've been saying...

I've been saying.......

I know what you mean!
I was at the gas station getting my winning lottery tickets lol
And
This construction worker behind me started asking me how old I was and what I do for a living and I stated I owned a cleaning company...
Before I knew it the cashier and him were amazed that I owned a cleaning company
Which I don't take into consideration that often...
I actually felt special for a moment hehe

But he then asked me for my business card and I went to go in my wallet and sure enough...

I WAS OUT

I was never so pissed in all my life at myself...
The man did take my business number down though.. and stated he may need help in the future

NEVER AGAIN will this happen to me

I know what you mean!
I was at the gas station getting my winning lottery tickets lol
and
this construction worker behind me started asking me how old I was and what I do for a living and I stated I owned a cleaning company....
Before I knew it the cashier and him were amazed that I owned a cleaning company
which I dont take into consideration that often....
I actually felt special for a moment hehe

But he then asked me for my business card and I went to go in my wallet and sure enough....

I WAS OUT

I was never so pissed in all my life at my self...
The man did take my business number down though.. and stated he may need help in the future

NEVER AGAIN will this happen to me

That has happened to me 3 times in 35 years in business. Now I have cards in my car, all my jackets, shirt pockets, and tucked in my materials.

Calling cards are a whole different subject... by that I mean how they are printed, what they say, colors, the back of them, size, shape, etc. Another whole subject matter.

The big question here is... did you get his name and direct phone number?

That has happened to me 3 times in 35 years in business. Now i have cards in my car, all my jackets, shirt pockets, and tucked in my materials.

Calling cards are a whole different subject...by that I mean how they are printed, what they say, colors, the back of them, size, shape, etc. Another whole subject matter.

The big question here is......did you get his name and direct phone number?

Im going out for the door to door-kill tomorrow wish me luck ! I am picking a shopping center and attacking hehe

Yes... good luck, keep plugging away, something will fall in your direction eventually.

You are going after retail business (shopping center)?

Stringer

Yes...good luck, keep plugging away, something will fall in your direction eventually.

You are going after retail business (shopping center)?

Stringer

Yes that is my best guess to go somewhere with the most cleaning capability in a walking distance... Any suggestions on certain places to look for that are key targets ?

:-)

Well, although personally I don't like cleaning retail (too many problems), I would start with the largest stores and work down.

Ok so I did my door to door tactics today

And handed out and visited about 30-35 offices and businesses...

Lets hope I get a bite!
They all had cleaning services... every single one of them

One of them asked me for a price on a the spot... for a 1900 sq ft office and I sort of panicked lol

I did not know if I should have given him it or not... but I did:(... (it was real small office though)

So I wasn't concerned...

How did you door to door tactics go

Ok so I did my door to door tactics today

And handed out and visited about 30-35 offices and businesses ...

Lets hope I get a bite!
They all had cleaning services... every single one of them

One of them asked me for a price on a the spot.....for a 1900 sq ft office and I sorta panicked lol

I did not know if I shoulda given him it or not....but i did:(...(it was real small office though)

so i wasnt concerned....

how did you door to door tactics go

If they all had cleaning service then that is good, that obviously means that they use... now it is your job to relate to them that they may be using the wrong companies.

Good luck in getting that one, follow up... they usually do not beat down your door. :D

Typical day, picked up two new bids, one is a 26,000 sq ft building owned by the tenants, accountants. And another one that is 72,500 sq ft, however this one is a forced bid...

Stringer

If they all had cleaning service then that is good, that obviously means that they use....now it is your job to relate to them that they may be using the wrong companies.

Good luck in getting that one, follow up...they usually do not beat down your door. :D

Typical day, picked up two new bids, one is a 26,000 sq ft building owned by the tenants, accountants. And another one that is 72,500 sq ft, however this one is a forced bid....

Stringer

Yeah another typical day for me also... NO BIDS... haha Im going to go pluck at it again today...

May I ask How did those bids come about hearing about yor company?
Also
What is a forced bid?
Are they forcing you to bid or something.+?

Yeah another typical day for me also....NO BIDS... haha Im gonna go pluck at it again today...

May I ask How did those bids come about hearing about yor company?
Also
What is a forced bid?
Are they forcing you to bid or something.+?

Most of our business the last 5 to 10 years comes from direct cold calls, a lot from references and advertising, etc.

What we refer to as a 'Forced Bid' is one where they may not be actually looking for the service or contemplating a change but are willing to let you go through the process and offer up a proposal. Unlike one where they are actually in the market so to speak. The close to bid
Ratio is not good on these types of bids but we do sell some of them. The term is an internal one that we use so that others in the company understand the circumstances...

Keep plugging away... that is always necessary.

Stringer

Most of our business the last 5 to 10 years comes from direct cold calls, a lot from references and advertising, etc.

What we refer to as a 'Forced Bid' is one where they may not be actually looking for the service or contemplating a change but are willing to let you go through the process and offer up a proposal. Unlike one where they are actually in the market so to speak. The close to bid
ratio is not good on these types of bids but we do sell some of them. The term is an internal one that we use so that others in the company understand the circumstances....

Keep plugging away....that is always necessary.

Stringer

Understandable...

I am going to keep plugging away..
I went to a few offices again today...
They all had cleaning services already...


I then walked into a Bank they just opened up out here by me and gave them my business card...
When I handed it to the employee she stated that "Corporate" hires all the cleaning services for the banks...

This kind of disappointed me lol

Is there any way to get into corporate offices based off your experience?

Also when you go into businesses how do you approach the secretary and tell them about your service?

Any advice on that one..

I usually introduce myself and ask them if they currently have any cleaning services and if they are satisfied with them...

Is this a good way to approach??

Also..

With smaller offices...

When bidding on them

Lets say a 2000 sq ft office.. once a week on fridays...
Should I charge more towards $ .20 per sq ft for an entire month?

Or go with a hourly charge?

Hi, guys!

Problems here are getting solved little by little, so I should be on here more, soon!

I just wanted to let you know, that I got a piano tuning simply by bringing up in conversation what I was going to do for the evening with a cashier at Wal-Mart.

Thanks!

Hi Clough, welcome back.

Hi Clean,

There are a lot of banks and other companies that are centralized in their purchasing and decision making. Generally you have to be larger to be able to source these types of contracts. I would try to find locally owned banks, the decision maker is there on site usually.

Actually it is tough getting jobs without the experience levels and time in business, companies usually don't want to go with the inexperience. I would not bring up experience at all, if they do then I would sell your attitude in that you will 'live there' if necessary to make sure that everything that needs to be done... will be.

Aaaha... the gatekeeper... You have to make her love you at first sight. Smile, smile, smile, be pleasant, smile, use a calm convincing voice, smile... did I mention smile? I have learned over the years not to give them to many questions;

Ask them if you may speak to the person that contracts for their nightly cleaning service. If she says 'who, what? (Usually they are not listening attentively) Then simply ask 'who in your company hires the cleaning company?' If she says that they are busy, then say that that is fine, may I have his/her name, phone number AND the email address so I may sent them some material about who we are, what we do and why we are different from the other companies? They will usually do this, or they will just give you the department and not the perosns' name at all. Still send all the materials. After you receive all this info, then you can joke around a little with them, but politely. And then simply ask them if the present company does a 'great job?' Usually they will say no or so so... (no one is usually happy-they will remember that toilet seat that wasn't cleaned properly two months ago=forever) then you might ask her.. 'well what are some of the problems... THIS is information that you can address later in a meeting with the decision maker. BUT, do not get the gatekeeper in trouble... don't say that he/she told you this... just that while you were waiting you got into a conversation with one of the other employees. If you turn the gatekeeper against you, your chances are like a snowball in h3ll. They can kill you, make them a friend.

There are many books out here on how to make friends with the gatekeeper and how to get past them.

Again, I never charge by the hour for regular monthly cleaning, it just isn't professional in my experience and opinion. The only time that I charge hourly is for 'side work' or projects... VCT work, carpets, windows, fabric chair cleaning, machine scrubbing of bathrooms concrete warehouse floors, etc.

Anything less that 5 days/week... charge a little more as the garbage and dirt builds up the days that you are not cleaning and you will spend more time there on the day/s that you clean it.

Stringer

Thanks, Stringer!

I'm now waiting for MidAmerican Energy Company to come and turn on my gas and electric again. Everything's in place for that to happen now. So, I should be able to communicate much better then.

Thanks!

Thanks, Stringer!

I'm now waiting for MidAmerican Energy Company to come and turn on my gas and electric again. Everything's in place for that to happen now. So, I should be able to communicate much better then.

Thanks!

Great, not the same with one of the good guys not here... :D

Stringer

Hi, guys!

Problems here are getting solved little by little, so I should be on here more, soon!

I just wanted to let you know, that I got a piano tuning simply by bringing up in conversation what I was going to do for the evening with a cashier at Wal-Mart.

Thanks!

Hi clough! It is good to hear from you. Hopefully we can catch up soon!
Hope all is well ! Talk to you soon!

Hi Clough, welcome back.

Hi Clean,

There are a lot of banks and other companies that are centralized in their purchasing and decision making. Generally you have to be larger to be able to source these types of contracts. I would try to find locally owned banks, the decision maker is there on site usually.

Actually it is tough getting jobs without the experience levels and time in business, companies usually don't want to go with the inexperience. I would not bring up experience at all, if they do then I would sell your attitude in that you will 'live there' if necessary to make sure that everything that needs to be done...will be.

Aaaha...the gatekeeper...You have to make her love you at first sight. Smile, smile, smile, be pleasant, smile, use a calm convincing voice, smile...did I mention smile? I have learned over the years not to give them to many questions;

Ask them if you may speak to the person that contracts for thier nightly cleaning service. If she says 'who, what? (Usually they are not listening attentively) Then simply ask 'who in your company hires the cleaning company?' If she says that they are busy, then say that that is fine, may I have his/her name, phone number AND the email address so I may sent them some material about who we are, what we do and why we are different from the other companies? They will usually do this, or they will just give you the department and not the perosns' name at all. Still send all the materials. After you receive all this info, then you can joke around a little with them, but politely. And then simply ask them if the present company does a 'great job?' Usually they will say no or so so...(no one is usually happy-they will remember that toilet seat that wasn't cleaned properly two months ago=forever) then you might ask her..'well what are some of the problems...THIS is information that you can address later in a meeting with the decision maker. BUT, do not get the gatekeeper in trouble...don't say that he/she told you this....just that while you were waiting you got into a conversation with one of the other employees. If you turn the gatekeeper against you, your chances are like a snowball in h3ll. They can kill you, make them a friend.

There are many books out here on how to make friends with the gatekeeper and how to get past them.

Again, I never charge by the hour for regular monthly cleaning, it just isn't professional in my experience and opinion. The only time that I charge hourly is for 'side work' or projects...VCT work, carpets, windows, fabric chair cleaning, machine scrubbing of bathrooms concrete warehouse floors, etc.

Anything less that 5 days/week ...charge a little more as the garbage and dirt builds up the days that you are not cleaning and you will spend more time there on the day/s that you clean it.

Stringer

That is understandable for a bank to take those measures...

Do you currently clean any banks?
I also mail my card to banks and daycare centers and a variety of other companies and a letter explaining my services... and just introducing my business to them...


I also mailed my cards to property management companies...

Do property management companies hire or contract cleaning services?

Ok so I have averaged the rate in chicago area to be .15 to .20 per sq ft...

My quote for a 2000 sq foot office I figured .20 per sq foot (once a week cleaning) on fridays

For 400 per month...

Does that sound right to you :-)

Hi, Guys!

Gas and electricity is back on and I'm raring to go here!

Hi, Guys!

Gas and electricity is back on and I'm raring to go here!


Hehe woo hooo lets get this memorial day party started...

Lol

Are you there?
I can never tell when you and stringer online anymore you guys hide it!

I'm here! I'm going to "uncloak" myself so the you know that I'm online.

Are you still there, Cleaningman23?

Thanks!

w00t w00t..
So how have you been
Glad your back..
As you can see I have been asking many questions...
Lol
Where did you go...
I seen you found a piano tuning at walmart...
I wish I could do that at targetlll
I did do it at a gas station almost!@ But I was out of business cards which hurt me!
I won't make that mistake again!@

Yes, it's best to always have business cards with you.

I think that you knew that I was in the hospital for a little while over a month ago, didn't you?

Do you make your own business cards?

Yes, it's best to always have business cards with you.

I think that you knew that I was in the hospital for a little while over a month ago, didn't you?

Do you make your own business cards?

Yes, it's best to always have business cards with you.

I think that you knew that I was in the hospital for a little while over a month ago, didn't you?

Do you make your own business cards?

Yes I Do...
I don't know if oyu ever heard of clubflyers.com
But they are real good website

I used them when I owned a promotional company for clubs and bars in chicago two years ago...


I heard that you were saying your health was not well but what happened?

Hope you are feeling better

I was hospitalized for a few days at the begging of April because I was having chest pains and couldn't walk. Turned out that I was having a massive panic attack. Same symptoms as a heart attack.

I had painted very large, different colored stripes on the ceiling of a very large living room for a customer. It had to be perfectly straight. Just the taping-off, looking up at the ceiling for extended periods, really took a toll on my neck and back.

I use Microsoft Word to make my own business cards. I create my own templates and make them using a variety of colors. Then I cut them out myself.

I don't get a lot of cards that way, but enough, anyway. But, they do look nice!

I will check out clubflyers.com

Did I ever give you that big list of places where you can advertise for free?

Thanks!

I was hospitalized for a few days at the begging of April because I was having chest pains and couldn't walk. Turned out that I was having a massive panic attack. Same symptoms as a heart attack.

I had painted very large, different colored stripes on the ceiling of a very large living room for a customer. It had to be perfectly straight. Just the taping-off, looking up at the ceiling for extended periods of time, really took a toll on my neck and back.

I use Microsoft Word to make my own business cards. I create my own templates and make them using a variety of colors. Then I cut them out myself.

I don't get a lot of cards that way, but enough, anyway. But, they do look nice!

I will check out clubflyers.com

Did I ever give you that big list of places where you can advertise for free?

Thanks!

Ahhh Yess!
A friend of mine was having panic attacks due to caffeine and stress and had to go on meds!
I hope it never escalates to a heart attack for you though... lay off the coffee if you drink it hehe..

But yes I designed my cards on FL STUDIO then uploaded to clubflyers...

They have free product services

!!

But yes I registered and advertised on every single webste you listed before! All of them one way or another!

The next step I was going to take was to try and get more traffic to my site.. I already use Google ad words and Facebook adwords and msn adwords...

I have seen few results but have gained only 2 customers so far...


Btw if the forum says I am not online anymore it is because I have been having troubles with my internet

I can definitely commiserate with having Internet problems! Sometimes I have them so much that I just get off the Internet and end up playing a game on the computer!

What I meant about the list of sites was a huge list. There must be at least twenty sites on it.

Did I give that to you yet?

Thanks!

I can definitely commiserate with having Internet problems! Sometimes I have them so much that I just get off the Internet and end up playing a game on the computer!

What I meant about the list of sites was a huge list. There must be at least twenty sites on it.

Did I give that to you yet?

Thanks!

By the way, I've had to give up anything with caffeine in it a number of years ago. Drinking beverages with it in it, was really doing a "number" on my heart as well as my nerves!

I'm now back on a number of medications.

Yes! My internet is horrible right now it is wirless and goes out periodically for no reason.. I have to get a new adapter for the uusb

But besides that

I have been to every single one of those free sites you listed...

I did receive a email from one of them for an estimate...
But the call was form out of my area.. in a "ghetto Suburb" may I say that I don't want to service or drive to...

So I turned it down...


Yes I sometimes drink an nrg drink and get real jittery!
I too have been cutting back on caffeine

A chiropractor friend of mine told me a long time ago, "Did you ever see pictures of what caffeine can do to your liver?"

Please give me a list of the sites where you've placed your ads.

I'm going to need to go momentarilly though, because a friend is picking me up to go to a concert. I'd kind of like to stay here too, because you're online and I'm helping someone else with there resume on this site. But, this is the last concert for the granddaughter of a friend who's graduating from college, tomorrow.

Thanks!

Hey Clough,
Sorry for the late response...
But you I tend to drink coffee every single day at least one cup..
I never heard of that happening...
I am looking for the ad websites where I have posted the ads...

I know some were oodle... local.com and about 10 others... I will look them up
All I know is I went down the entire row you posted in other forum and registered and posted in each one...

Okay, that's good that you're going through the list.

The next thing that we should probably do is to get make some of your own blogs, free websites you can make and also see if there are any places where you can advertise for free, that are just specific to where your are located. Those kind of places aren't necessarily advertising sites, but sites that might connected to newspapers and/or are places that inform people what might be going on in a community.

Thanks!

Yes That sounds like a good idea!
I also advertise through adwords and facebook.com
Except I have paid aobut 100 dollars so far and have enot seen any results which I may discontinue

I am wondering if you know how to get some more traffic to my site and what are some good ideas...

I know you have paid a visit to my site before what is your rating of it..
Is there anything I should change on it...
Please give me your hones opinion on it if you can...

Thanks a ton

By the way how did the concert go last week for you :-)

How's it going now, Cleaningman23?

The concert was fine! We had another performance on Tuesday evening.

Thanks!

I will take another look at your site...

Hi Clough!
Ever take a look again at the site.?

I will right now! Would you post the link to it again?

Thanks!

Dirt Dusters Cleaning Inc. (http://www.dirtdusters.com)

How are you doing tonight?

Thanks for the link! I'll check it out in just a bit!

I'm doing okay, I guess. Taught a couple of piano lessons tonight and also got paid for this month for them.

Have to do some work on a concrete patio for a customer, tomorrow. Fill some rather large cracks, make old paint that's coming off look fairly smooth, apply a primer and a couple coats of paint.

How are you?

Thanks!

Im doing good.
I just opened up another business this past month involving buying and shipping products from china and reselling them...
Lamps and Aroma mainly
I am trying to get as many options as possible right now to make extra income... I have a 8 month old son to support right now:)
My cleaning service has been slow and I have faith it will pick up soon..
I also bought a new company car to help bring in some business... hopefully it pays for itself hehe...

If I was out by you Id take some lessons...
I have a MIDI piano but have never learned to play...
I always wanted to..

How old are you may I ask.. I think you may be surprised by my age hehe

Hey guys...

How ya'all doing?

Clean... Nice site. I did notice one small thing though, on your 'commercial' page under 'vent cleaning' you have 'month(s) instead of month...

I know now where you are my friend... ha. So in the name of fair play, this is our site, it has not been updated in some time though, needs to be done...

Welcome to Enviro Resources II, Inc.! (http://enviroresourcesinc.com/index.php)

Stringer

Hey there Mr.Stringer.
Ahh finally.
I have been bragging to some friends about the guy that I met on a blog that gives me tips and invoices millions each year hehe!
Finally the search is over!!

Hehe although you have noticed a small error on my page.. I have also found one on yours...

Under your "contact us:

Address26W

There is no space between address and your numbers haha

What is your opinion of my site... I've been trying to get osme inputs but have had no luck hehe

Hey there Mr.Stringer.
Ahh finally.
I have been bragging to some friends about the guy that I met on a blog that gives me tips and invoices millions each year hehe!
Finally the search is over!!!

hehe although you have noticed a small error on my page.. i have also found one on yours...

Under your "contact us:

Address26W

There is no space between address and your numbers haha

What is your opinion of my site... ive been trying to get osme inputs but have had no luck hehe

Not bad, thanks for the input... you know we paid a lot of money for this site and we checked it all over and no one ever mentioned this... hmmmmm I'll have to get a hold of them.

Yeah... well things are much tougher now than they were before. In one of the sites listed when you Google us it says that we do $975,000.00 / year... that is old. And our site says that for over a decade we have been in business... well it has been 17 years, almost 2 decades now.

I have been having some fun, I was in your area last week cold calling and three days this week in N. W. Indiana, we already have 17 buildings spread out there but we need another 40 or so.. hopefully.

Love cold calling... "just we already have a cleaning company".. (little girl sitting pretty at the receptionist's desk) I am sure that you do sweets, but you don't have the best... "But how do I know you ae the best?" "Do they smile for you like this... I NEED TO TALK TO YOUR BOSS... NOW! Pretty please... :rolleyes:

Your site isn't bad at all... to me the key is easy reading... K.I.S.S...

Hi, guys!

I'm on again, but I don't know for how long. Seem to really be having some connection problems. I just now got re-connected.

Thanks!

Hi, guys!

I'm on again, but I don't know for how long. Seem to really be having some connection problems. I just now got re-connected.

Thanks!

You've been a stranger lately Bud. :D

Not bad, thanks for the input...you know we paid a lot of money for this site and we checked it all over and no one ever mentioned this...hmmmmm I'll have to get a hold of them.

Yeah...well things are much tougher now than they were before. In one of the sites listed when you Google us it says that we do $975,000.00 / year.....that is old. And our site says that for over a decade we have been in business...well it has been 17 years, almost 2 decades now.

I have been having some fun, I was in your area last week cold calling and three days this week in N. W. Indiana, we already have 17 buildings spread out there but we need another 40 or so..hopefully.

Love cold calling..."just we already have a cleaning company"..(little girl sitting pretty at the receptionist's desk) I am sure that you do sweets, but you don't have the best....."But how do I know you ae the best?" "Do they smile for ya like this.....I NEED TO TALK TO YOUR BOSS....NOW! Pretty please....:rolleyes:

Your site isn't bad at all....to me the key is easy reading...K.I.S.S...



Yes Indeed. I could have sworn you say you invoiced 5 mil at a time?
Id that correct?

Having fun in my area eh?
I have not had much fun.. they just opened up a new facility in the area (nursing home )
I have contacted the field manager but have no response...
Tomorrow I think I will steal your Cold Calling technique... lol

Except my fiancé says she will call for me... hehe

I think it will be more pleasant having a woman cold calling than me hehe


I have a friend do my website though... I only paid around 300 for it

Sometimes I am afraid to talk to the boss...
I walked into a apartment management complex the other day and handed my card and the woman was real rude saying no soliciters...
Then she called the next day asking about my service but she seemed real cheap...

Yeah, I know... Haven't meant to be one, though.

Just trying to get my act together here...

There's lots of things that we could talk about.

Thanks!

Yes Indeed. I could have sworn you say you invoiced 5 mil at a time?
Id that correct?

having fun in my area eh?
I have not had much fun.. they just opened up a new facility in the area (nursing home )
I have contacted the field manager but have no response...
tomorrow I think I will steal your Cold Calling technique... lol

Except my fiance says she will call for me... hehe

i think it will be more pleasant having a woman cold calling than me hehe


I have a friend do my website though... i only paid around 300 for it

sometimes I am afraid to talk to the boss....
i walked into a apartment management complex the other day and handed my card and the woman was real rude saying no soliciters....
then she called the next day asking about my service but she seemed real cheap ...

No. I said that we bill about $6.5 M a year, or $541,666.00 per month now since we lost about $2 M a few months ago.

I like to have some fun when I cold call.. and like I said to you at least 3 times... that's where you find most of your business... don't cold call (in person)... not much in sales is the result.

YOU have to make selling fun and informative... think about what you DON'T want to hear a salesman say to you and what would make you listen... then choose...

AND you must be nice,polite and listen and... oh yeah... have balls and some thick skin...

Hey, Stringer!

So, what are some of the things that a person wouldn't want a salesman to say, please?

Thanks!

Hey, Stringer!

So, what are some of the things that a person wouldn't want a salesman to say, please?

Thanks!

You know Clough... "HEY FRIEND! I HAVE JUST WHAT YOU WANT, RIGHT OVER HERE", while dressed in a plaid shirt with stripped pants... he hee. That was rather obvious right?

What I was saying is you want to be professional, for yourself and your industry... you bring the professionalism...

Okay, I typed in some words from your site on a Google search.

For instance:
Looking for a reliable cleaning service in your area can be hard. That is why when you call Dirt Dusters Cleaning,

Your site comes up first in the search. The link for the search is below.

Looking for a reliable cleaning service in your area can be hard. That is why when you call Dirt Dusters Cleaning, - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Looking+for+a+reliable+cleaning+service+in+your+ area+can+be+hard.+That+is+why+when+you+call+Dirt+D usters+Cleaning%2C&btnG=Google+Search)

What I would suggest doing is having more words on that first page that are pertinent to the vicinity and what you can do.

Connection is starting to fade again...

Thanks!

That is a good idea.. I will review it and look it over to see what I can't do to include those extra words...

Connection is really crazy right now...

I think that we've talked in the past about the words to use. Obviously, things stated on the page of your site that I saw, are getting excellent exposure in searches.

So, I would suggest putting words in those paragraphs that will cause people to find you because of what you do and where you're located.

Thanks!

No. I said that we bill about $6.5 M a year, or $541,666.00 per month now since we lost about $2 M a few months ago.

I like to have some fun when I cold call..and like I said to you at least 3 times...that's where you find most of your business...don't cold call (in person)...not much in sales is the result.

YOU have to make selling fun and informative...think about what you DON'T want to hear a salesman say to you and what would make you listen.....then choose...

AND you must be nice,polite and listen and...oh yeah...have balls and some thick skin...

OK... third luck is a charm... Tomorrow will be deemed COLD CALLING FRIDAY

I'm jumping in and doing this!!
RAWR WISH me luck

For now I must go to sleep... I will be on tomorrow night guys...
I AM BEAT!

Watch out stringer here I come hahahaahha jk

Clough we will resume tomorrow...

Thanks for the input guys!

Good night!

You're very welcome, Cleaningman23! And, I do wish you a very pleasant and restful sleep so the you can be refreshed to go out and "hit the streets" early in trying to find employment!

Thanks!

Night guys, and Clean... Ok, I'll be watching over my shoulder... :)

Night.

Cleaning-Success.com: How Do You Deal With Cleaning Clients Who Always Ask For More? (http://cleaning-success.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/06/how-do-you-deal-with-cleaning-clients-who-always-ask-for-more.html)

Here is a blog site for our business that you will find very helpful Clean. I suggest that you read all the archived items also. It is for both residential and commercial cleaning.

Hope this helps...

Thanks Stringer..
I am reading it over right now...
May I ask.. what type of businesses do you know to cold call...
How do you know the sizes of their offices..?
I have never cold called...
When I was supervisor for 1800GOTJUNK I would call all the customers and give them input and other information.. but enver cold called lol

I was tihnk aobut saying Hi this is Jim form Dirt Dusters Cleaning inc can I speak to the person in charge of cleaning...

Thanks Stringer..
I am reading it over right now...
May I ask .. what type of businesses do you know to cold call...
How do you know the sizes of their offices ...??
I have never cold called...
When I was supervisor for 1800GOTJUNK i would call all the customers and give them input and other information ..but enver cold called lol

i was tihnk aobut saying Hi this is Jim form Dirt Dusters Cleaning inc can I speak to the person in charge of cleaning...



If you ask for that person, they WILL give you the person from their cleaning company or housekeeping and that's not who you want to talk to, you want to take their business away. They are the cleaning company.

Ask for the person that contracts for their cleaning service, the person that makes the decision to hire the cleaning company, or purchasing, engineering, maintenance, etc.


Here are some interesting articles that may get you started:



Sales & Marketing
Elements of a Sales Campaign
From AllBusiness.com *


A successful sales campaign starts with untested leads and ends with new customers. Whether your normal sales cycle is 12 days or 12 months, every sales campaign includes these basic elements:
Leads are names and contact information you gather through direct mail, advertising, public relations, trade shows, networking, referrals, business directories, acquired lists, or trade and professional groups.

Cold calls are unscheduled contacts with prospects and can be an effective tool for setting appointments and qualifying prospects. Briefly state the benefits of your product or service, learn something about the prospect, and ask to meet.

Introductory letters break the ice and prepare prospects for your call. Mention how you got the person's name (especially if it's a referral), describe some benefits of your product or service, tell how you've helped similar prospects, and close with a promise to call.

Literature gets mailed to customers who request information. Ask questions to determine the best material to send. Flag or highlight important sections. Include a personal note and specify when you will follow up.



Taking the Chill Out of Cold Calling!

By Andrea Sittig Rolf

What is it we hate most about cold calling? Is it calling people we don't know? Taking time out of our busy schedules to make phone calls? Or is it the “cold” part of cold calling we don't like? Here's a tip on how to take the chill out of cold calling by warming up your cold calls first.

Choose your best referral partner and do a mutual endorsement mailer. A mutual endorsement mailer is a prospecting tool used not only to promote each others businesses, but to actually make personal introductions for each other. Here's how it works.

Review your contact database with your referral partner and determine which of your customers or strong contacts (meaning those that have a relationship with you) best fits your referral partner's Ideal Client Profile (those prospects who have attributes that make them ideal as a customer for your referral partner). Next, on your letterhead, have your referral partner write a letter to the contacts in your database who have been identified as fitting your referral partner's Ideal Client Profile to personally introduce your referral partner to your contacts. Your referral partner is writing a letter on your letterhead, as if it is coming from you, as a way of being personally introduced to specific contacts in your database. By having your referral partner write the letter, he will be able to stress the key points he wants to convey to those receiving the letter. Also include any marketing material that is relevant to your referral partner's business, as well as your business card and your referrals partner's business card. Remember, you should sign the letter, as it is coming from you. Have your referral partner do the same for you, on his letterhead, with his signature, introducing you to the contacts in his database that fit your Ideal Client Profile.

About a week after the mailers have been sent, call the contacts given to you by your referrals partner, who have received the mutual endorsement mailer. When you call, say, “I'm calling to follow up on the letter you received from David Smith.” (David Smith being your referral partner.) From there, the conversation should flow fairly smoothly and you now have a great introduction into a new prospective opportunity!

Use this as a template for writing your mutual endorsement mailer introductory letter.

You may have noticed that I included a couple of quotes from clients both at the top of the template letter and near the end. When other clients have something positive to say about you and your company, it is the most powerful sales tool you have…use it. Be sure the quote you use speaks to the results you've created for your client, as this will give you credibility and inspire confidence in the prospect that you will deliver the same for him.

Also, be sure to include any other titles or accolades that will give your company credibility. For example, in the template letter you will see that not only am I the CEO of Sittig Northwest, Inc., but also a columnist with The Puget Sound Business Journal. Also, The Blitz Experience™ was featured on SellingPower.com's website homepage so I included that tidbit as well. If you can establish credibility early on in your letter, it is more likely the prospect will read it the entire way through.

Finally, keep your letter to one page. You want to create enough curiosity about who you are and what you do that the prospect will accept your follow-up phone call, but you don't want to tell everything there is to tell in the mutual endorsement introductory letter.

The mutual endorsement mailer and the subsequent follow-up call is a very effective way to generate new business and will take the chill out of your cold calls!

For more information about the mutual endorsement mailer and other great prospecting tips, check out Andrea's new book Business-to-Business Prospecting: Innovative Techniques to Get Your Foot in the Door with Any Prospect (Aspatore Books, 2005).
ANDREA SITTIG-ROLF is a public speaker, author, and president of Sittig Northwest, Inc., a sales training and consulting firm. Sign up for her free sales tips newsletter. Contact her at 206-769-4886, Sittignw.com - sit tig nw Resources and Information. This website is for sale! (http://www.sittignw.com), or [email protected].



Cold Calling: Don't be A Flash in the Pan

By Jerry Hocutt

“How long do you plan to be in business?” Roy Williams asks in one of his trilogy Wizard of Ads books. What are you doing to make sure you're here tomorrow?

You advertise. Good. Television is out of the question of course. Too much moola. Your Yellow Page ad has that phone ringing off the hook. What's that? Oh? It's not? Well, at least you've got your newspaper ads running every day. Oh? Not doing those either? Never saw the results you expected? Hmmm. How about direct mail? Surely that will work. Huh? You've heard too many horror stories of monies lost? (Believe me…they're true!) But Yellow Pages? Newspapers? What's the problem? Williams found that people who respond to your Yellow Page ad call when they don't know who else to call and they're shoppers who have no preference.

He calls newspaper advertising the “sprinter's” of advertising. Such advertising is good for companies that are looking for people who are buying today. Short-term sales. What are the chances of that? Plus, newspaper advertising doesn't build relationships with people buying weeks or months down the road.

In one way, cold calling is similar to newspaper advertising. The average cold caller is looking for a deal today. Hold your fingers up in front of your face. Go ahead. All ten of them. Now count the number of sales you've made on your first cold call. Are you going to make a good living at that rate?

I call this type of cold calling – looking for a quick sale now – flash in the pan marketing. The average cold caller fails to understand that the prospect will buy what he's selling some time in the future once he has the need. Rather than take the time to start a relationship so he'll be remembered when the need arises, he hangs up and makes his next call. Like the early prospector looking in his pan of silt and rocks, he fails to recognize the gold nuggets and throws them out with the wash.

This is not to say that cold calling doesn't work. It does. I think – no I know from over 30 years of experience – that this is one of the fastest ways to build your business. Where I differ from most others is the follow-up required for cold calling. 95% of salespeople don't do it. Their laziness is great for me. By failing to follow-up and build relationships, they do more to eliminate themselves than anything I could ever do to knock them out of the picture.

If you're doing cold calls as a “numbers game” you're a flash in the pan salesperson. I'm not saying you can't make a good living doing it, but from my research only 1% of salespeople have the endurance to play the numbers game like this. They could care less about having any relationship, want the commission now, and want to move on. Most of these people you wouldn't even want to do business with yourself.

Success in advertising (and cold calling is self-advertising) comes in the follow-up. It comes in qualifying and building a long-term relationship with the prospects. And qualifying doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, all you have to determine is if the prospect is buying your service or product from your competitor. If she is, establish a relationship. She has a need for what you're selling.

Things change and the chances of her doing business with your competitor for a lifetime are 0%. She'll be changing vendors. You can take that to the bank. This is where your relationship guarantees the prospect remembers you first when she's ready to buy later. If you're a flash in the pan, a onetimecallPaul, she'll never think of you. If you're a professional, if you have a relationship that none of your competitors bothered to establish, you'll be the first one she calls.

A problem we have in sales is that we want instant gratification. Our commissions are tied directly to our sales. Our sales managers need sales closed before the end of the month. Business owners need sales now to meet payrolls. We want sales without taking the time to build any pesky relationships. This is the flash in the pan approach to selling. It's the man who wants his fish today without learning how to fish. (A fish in the pan approach?) I know it's tough, but in sales you've got to work both sides of the street: get the quick sales when you can, but establish and build relationships for the long term sales tomorrow.

Find your company's top salespeople. It won't be hard. It'll be just one or two. Take them to lunch. Talk about selling. Ask about relationships. The best salespeople know that relationships are created by repeated contacts: visits, phone calls, and cards. I bet they can tell you so many good stories about their clients you'd be amazed, awed, and blowing milk out your nose from laughter. They have the skinny and the dirt on everyone. They have relationships. They didn't get to be the best because they're flashes in the pan.

Learn how to fish. That crazy fish isn't going to jump into the frying pan without some type of relationship.
About the Author:
© 2005 Hocutt & Associates, Inc. Jerry Hocutt is the founder of Cold Calling for Cowards ® seminars and provides a free 30-day trial of his B2B email postcards that build relationships leading to sales at his website You've Got Contacts (http://www.YouveGotContacts.com).

Always remember.. this business is unique. You may make the cold call and nothing happens now: they go out for bid 'next year', they have a 'great company now', 'my uncle owns a cleaning company' (everyone is in the cleaning business now... ) and so on and so on... BUT, that building will pretty much be there for a long, long time. People may change, but the building... will be there for you to call on 'it' again. And every piece of business that you get will continue to pay you month after month... layering the profits. Record and save each name, phone number and address that you get... for a future call... a priceless list of information. And, it is the building that is important at first, its' size... and then you build the relationship with the people.

Tell them that you are new to this... most will give you a break... and at least talk to you. Stay tough and excited about what you are doing... let the hard calls roll off your back...

Stringer

Here is another article (opinion) about fear in sales:...


From: [email protected] on behalf of Shamus Brown's EGOPOWER
[[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 8:31 AM
To: lloydh Smith
Subject: Courage, Fear, and What Makes You Hesitate

Shamus Brown's EGOPOWER Sales Training Courses to Shamelessly CRUSH Your Competition - Coaching, Audio CDs, DVD Video, iPod MP3s, and Online Access (http://www.IndustrialEGO.com)

COURAGE, FEAR, AND WHAT MAKES YOU HESITATE
__________________________________________________ __________

Fear wastes time.

Fear wastes time because it causes hesitation.

Think about it.

When you know exactly what to do, when you are confident that you can do it,
and when you know that the downside risks are negligible or at least
acceptable, those are the things that you do without fear.

You do those things without hesitation.

When you are unsure of what to do, when you are unsure of whether or not you
can do it, or when you are unsure of the consequences of failing, those are
things that cause you to be afraid.

Such things make you afraid to act. Such things make you hesitate.

Think back to the first sales call you ever went on. Or the first time you
picked up the phone to call on a lead. Or the first sales presentation you
ever gave.

The first time you did any of these things you may have been a little (or even
a lot) afraid.

But maybe you did it anyway, right?

You did it cause you found your courage.

Courage is not the absence of fear.

Courage is how you get past your fear.

Courage is the ability to do something, to take action, to move forward even
when you are scared.

Are there things in your business that you are putting off?

Things that if you did them, your sales and business would be better?

Maybe fear is what is stopping you. Fear of wasting your time. Fear of wasting
your bux. Fear of changing doing something wrong and looking stupid.

I don't know exactly what it is for you.

I do know that I have gone through periods where I have stayed stuck in my
comfort zone, avoiding doing things that would make my sales and business
better.

I have always pulled myself out of these periods and found my courage by
looking for and finding an example of the right way to do things that works.
Once I find someone to model, the fear lessens to the point where I get the
courage to act.

Fear is a natural self-protection mechanism. At the most base level it helps
you to survive. And in the modern world, it helps you conserve your energy and
your sanity.

Just don't let it control you.

Look for ways to get over your fears faster.

If you want to accomplish more and more in your life, then you must get past
your fears faster and faster.

Look to solve any dilemmas you might have about what to do, how to do it, and
what will happen by finding people who have success already with what you are
trying to do.

By studying and following others who have already "figured it out", you will
lessen your fears and find the courage to move forward.

Oh and when it comes to your sales, have you figured out how to close up to
90% of the deals you go after? If you haven't figured this out yet, then I
suggest you go here now where I talk all about it...

http://www.industrialego.com/persuasive-selling1.htm

Sell with Pride,

Shameless Shamus


ADVICE TO SALES PEOPLE WHO WANT TO CLOSE MORE SALES

Forget giving away your time, attention and knowledge to prospects who don't
purchase. Learn 5 simple skills that will enable you to close significantly
more in the same time that you are working now. No more cheesy closing lines.

Go to http://www.industrialego.com/persuasive-selling1.htm

Thank You for the cold calling info, I read it all and I think I have a somewhat better idea on it now! Thanks for the linkage!@

I thinks its time to.. what's that saying... Oh you

GROW SOME BALLS haha

Hi,Cleaningman23!

Yes, it does take some courage to cold-call and embark on what we would like to do for business!

Thanks!

Yes Indeed!
How is your day going today!
Any luck finding some jobs in your area?

I'm about to leave to continue some concrete work on a patio/terrace for a customer.

It's kind of frustrating because she's got some dementia and keeps asking the same questions over and over.

I just deal with it, though...

Thank you for asking!

Lol good luck!
She may have alzheimers
Have Fun!

How's it going, Cleaningman23!

Yes, I do think that she's definitely in the early stages of Alzheimer's!

I am going well.
I am relaxing tonight...
So I drank a beer hehe.. guilty as charged

But yes..
I just watched this special on HBO about alzhemierz

That why I asked hehe...

People begint o forget things lets say...
I had a great grandma that had it..
So I'm crossing my fingers hehe..

How did the job go? For you?

Make some good money ?

!!

Yeah, I know... I can smell your breath!

I'm putting down a few myself...

Which job is it that you're referring to?

Thanks!

Oops! I know which job that it is you're talking about!

Hehe guilty as charged...

I snook a cranberry and vodka too hehe

But shhh..

I was talking about the concrete work you were doing!
Did you finish the job? Did the woman who you were hehe jk...

I am going on a cold calling festival tomorrow... ive prepared myself..!

My fiancé is also going to call since she is a woman and people prefer woman's voices... hehe

:P

Hey, man! You're starting to slur your words! Maybe you out of lay off the stuff!

I haven't really made much money on the job yet. I asked her for a check for $125.00 for paint and other supplies, and the total came to about $107.00.

I did get a return email today about a kitchen cabinet re-doing job. At least I now have the gals phone number.

As you advertise on the Internet, you're going to have people emailing you who won't give you any contact information and want you to basically make an estimate in an email without seeing anything.

It can get to be somewhat frustrating...

Yes. I know what you mean...
I had some people submit questions to me without any information...
I had a pool cleaning scheduled for 150 bucks
I told the guy to get all the materials since he wanted to buy them.
But I tihnk I made the mistake of telling ihm too much information...
He cancelled the night before and hasn't called back since...


I also have emailed over 5 new businesses that have opened up in my area... tnight...

I have alsooooooo.. told people that if they help land a contract they get 10% of the monthly contract I land...

I also advertised new articles on hoobly and merchaht circle..

I have already drawn up my goals for this month and by golly I am going to land a contract by the end of this month!!

By the way that isn't a bad gig for concrete.. how many hour have you worked on th job so far?

Are you still there, Cleaningman23? Or, have you passed out on me?

Oops! There you are! Sorry, I didn't think you were going to post that long of a post and we posted about the same time!

I am still here...
I was checking on my son that was asleep
Don't worry I will b eon here for at least another hour

Yes. I know what you mean...
I had some ppl submit questions to me without any infromation...
I had a pool cleaning scheduled for 150 bucks
I told the guy to get all the materials since he wanted to buy them.
but i tihnk i made the mistake of telling ihm too much information...
he cancelled the night before and hasnt called back since.....


I also have emailed over 5 new businesses that have opened up in my area....tnight....

i have alsooooooo.. told ppl that if they help land a contract they get 10% of the monthly contract I land......

I also advertised new articles on hoobly and merchaht circle..

i have already drawn up my goals for this month and by golly i am going to land a contract by the end of this month !!!!!

btw that aint a bad gig for concrete ..how many hour have you worked on th job so far?

So, are you meaning that you're beginning to see some results of ads that you've placed on the Internet? I hope so!

I'm glad that you're setting goals! That's a really good thing to do!

I think that I've spent about three hours on the concrete job. Have to wait for the patching to dry, you know.

I've done mass emailings in the past and have gotten some results.

I also have put in a 4000 order to china hehe...
Yes it hurt my bank to make the investment... but I ordered over 600 oil fountain lamps at 2.30 cents a pieece...
And these water fountains which I paid for 9 dollars each...
I only ordered 100 of those...
There is local art markets by me... also and these lamps sell for 15-20 so I am also selling those under a new business name
!!
They are in production right now! They will be here in the end of July!

If you want clough I have a few websites that you can use... for buying in china and reselling in usa for big profit...

I will be glad to share... if you got the money to invest then id do it hehe

So, are you meaning that you're beginning to see some results of ads that you've placed on the Internet? I hope so!

I'm glad that you're setting goals! That's a really good thing to do!

I think that I've spent about three hours on the concrete job. Have to wait for the patching to dry, you know.

I've done mass emailings in the past and have gotten some results.


I have not seen any results hehe...
I emailed a lot of companies tonight...
I am awaiting responses form tonights emails hehe
I only seen one result from ads on internet and the job was in the ghetto.. so sadly I turned it down...
I was on a carpet job in a regular client of mine... and they were doing concrete out in front of his house... he didn't tell me the price.. alli could see was that they were mexicans no offense

He told me he got them for cheap...

Sorry! I had a phone call!

What do you mean about the China thing? I would be interested in investigating that. I have a friend who sells cups and other small things on a mass basis. I've never really inquired of him as to where he gets them.

How old is your son, please?

Thanks!

That is OK..
The china thing..
Is importing good from china at very low prices and selling them here in USA
For over 200% Markup
It a very good business to invest in
I just have invested for my first time in the past month...
I put 4000 USD in and I am waiting still for my products...

Once I receive them I have a potential of selling them for at least 15,000 USD

My son is 9 months old at the moment...
Sometimes when he eats bottle in the night he tends to spill it.. so we have to check on him frequently hehe

Is this extra business that you have, something that you could also advertise on the Internet for yourself?

This extra business that I have... I literally just started in the past month...
I requested my EIN from the FED and just received it about 3 days ago...
I am not hiring any employees but still I used it as a per cautionary measure...
My order is coming in... in July...

I am going to be using eBay and also creating my own website once my products are available... I am registering with Illinois dept of revenue...
So all I really have to do is file 1099 and sales tax...
But yes I can also sell on the internet...

It is good thing to do... if you give me your email I can send you websites and you can search for products you think are "hott" in the US MArket...

What variety of products are available and since you've just started this, do you know if it's worth it?

It is totally worth it.. You really cannot lose any money...
If worst came to worst you would sell them at the price you bought them for..
Which would make you break even...
I know a friend of the family that was importing horns for cars and other different motor vehicles... from china.. and he still makes profit from accounts that he has set up through harley davidson stores and other small time businesses...

There is literally no way you can lose... in my opinion...
Right now I am importing LED fountains and Oil electric lamps...
I paid 3500 for my order for over 600 lamps and 100 fountains...

There is any prodcut you can think of... ANYTHING
If you want lol I will forward you the address to look at to guide you to china suppliers...

I'm sorry, Cleaningman23! I hated to do it, but I would hate to see this thread be closed by Administration because of the solicitation for off-site contact, so I needed to delete that last post of yours. I would hate to see all of our hard work on here wasted and also stopped in its tracks.

Again, I'm sorry...

Okay!

Now, that we've clarified some things, we can continue on with the original, intended purpose of this thread. And, that's about the advertising thing using the Internet for your cleaning business.

But, it is getting late, and if you're going to do some cold-calling tomorrow (today), and if I'm going to get back to the job on the concrete at a decent hour, it would probably be best for both of us to be getting some sleep.

Although, it is raining with a thunderstorm here right now. Is it raining where you are?

Thanks!

Hehe it is not raining here yet!
Although I am on the southside of chicago.. no storms at the moment...
You are near Iowa correct?
Im sure they are moving this way!

Yes I agree with you about the sleep!
My son tends to wake up around 6 even though I don't wake until 8 hehe so Im going to hit the hay..

Thank You for all the help an support!
Lets continue this tomorrow!
I will let you know how the cold calling goes!

God bless and Good night! :p

Yes, we can continue this tomorrow!

Oh, how I remember the days of having young babies and children...

I have two, a boy and a girl. They're both near the age of thirty.

Yes, best to be putting out best feet forward for tomorrow by preparing ourselves the best!

I might not get to work on the concrete. However, I do have a table lined up to refinish that I already did previously. The customer called me up and said that she ruined the finish that I put on it.

Sheesh...

Thank you for your understanding of how things are supposed to work here! It's much appreciated!

God's Love and Peace to You!

Oops! Yes, I'm in Rock Island, IL which is on the Mississippi across from Iowa.

Thanks!

Immmmmmmmmmm baccccccccccccccccck.

HI CLOUGH,
STRINGER

So I did some...
COLD CALLING TODAY
Hmmmmmmm lets see...

Well I called about 8 different businesses today...
All ranging from day care centers... to a few hair salons...
Some kids places including "pump it up" and a few new places in my area...
Not one single call did the person in charge of hiring the contracts for cleaning co... was able to come to the phone... they all took my number and name down.. but it looks like I'm going to have to do some follow up calls...

Alsooooooo
A few places said I have to call corporate... which I Did...

How are you able to meet corporate standards to clean their business?

Since I am smaller what kind of places should I be shooting for

Hi, Cleaningman23!

What I understand to be cold-calling is to actually go and pay a visit in person to the places.

I'm glad that you did make some attempts, though!

What did you say to them? Perhaps we should also be working on your particular spiel with what you're telling them.

Thanks!

Hi, Cleaningman23!

What I understand to be cold-calling is to actually go and pay a visit in person to the places.

I'm glad that you did make some attempts, though!

What did you say to them? Perhaps we should also be working on your particular spiel with what you're telling them.

Thanks!

I agree Clough, cold calling for the most part is actually going to the site personally and usually you will get a name and number. Then follow up with a phone call. Most 'contacts will not see you on the initial call, because they are clobbered by sales people, you have to find a way to stand out. Using the telephone is OK, but you don't actually get to see the building.

I think that you should be calling on building that range from 3,000 sq ft to possibly 5-8,000 sq ft at first.

Stringer

Hi, Cleaningman23!

What I understand to be cold-calling is to actually go and pay a visit in person to the places.

I'm glad that you did make some attempts, though!

What did you say to them? Perhaps we should also be working on your particular spiel with what you're telling them.

Thanks!

Clough, we need to get back on our project my friend... :)

Goodnight for now...

Hi, Stringer!

Yeah, I know that we do need to get back on the project...

I've had to deal with some pretty heavy issues here. So, going to "work" on the Internet has been something that I've been avoiding doing. Have been wanting to use what I do on the Internet more for light things and entertainment.

We will get back to it, though! You and I both want to make it the best that it can be!

I have recently gotten some new business and lost some to. I think things should be picking up for me in the near future!

Goodnight to you, too!

Thanks!

Hi, Stringer!

Yeah, I know that we do need to get back on the project...

I've had to deal with some pretty heavy issues here. So, going to "work" on the Internet has been something that I've been avoiding doing. Have been wanting to use what I do on the Internet more for light things and entertainment.

We will get back to it, though! You and I both want to make it the best that it can be!

I have recently gotten some new business and lost some to. I think things should be picking up for me in the near future!

Goodnight to you, too!

Thanks!

With you... no rush, when you're ready, I am also rather inundated now too, but we can do it when things slow a bit. -Stringer

STRINGER
CLOUGH!
God Has Answered my prayers!
!!
I received a call today from a property management company!
They need a proposal by Monday to make a decision!
3 offices...
3 separate contracts
All within 20 min driving distances...
She is emailing me for info and I am going to look at the locations tomorrow!
She also stated she needed me to supply the paper towel garbage bags and soaps...
And carpet spotting...

I am soooooooo happppppppppppy right now!
Thank You for your guys help!
Stringer and you too clough!!

Stringer I will be needing your assistance tonight and tomorrow if you can.
We have to pound some numbers hehe

I really want to get these contracts! So if you can help I would greatly appreciate it...

I will be getting more information...
Thanks again guys!

STRINGER
CLOUGH!
God Has Answered my prayers!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received a call today from a property management company!
They need a proposal by monday to make a decision!
3 offices...
3 separate contracts
All within 20 min driving distances...
She is emailing me for info and I am going to look at the locations tomorrow!
She also stated she needed me to supply the paper towel garbage bags and soaps....
and carpet spotting....

I am soooooooo happppppppppppy right now !!
Thank You for your guys help!
Stringer and you too clough!!!

Stringer I will be needing your assistance tonight and tomorrow if you can.!
we have to pound some numbers hehe

I really want to get these contracts! So if you can help I would greatly appreciate it...

I will be getting more information ......
Thanks again guys!

I'll do what I can Clean... in the final go round pricing is your own decision though.

Get the total 'cleanable sq ft'

How many days per week?

Any medical offices? What types of businesses? (Possibly it/they will generate a lot of paper/trash.. )

How much carpet in each building? How much VCT? How much other hard floors?

How many washrooms in each building?

Are there coffee/lunch rooms in each, type of floors?

Are you expected to clean out the refrigerators

Do the buildings have key and or card entry?

Are you bidding on the entire 3 buildings or just part of each (offices)?

Get on a friendly basis with the person from the company and ask questions, any that you can think of; where is the outside dumpster? Is it secured by a lock? How many pick ups per week? Etc...

Get all the information that you can... understand the job (period).

AND... ask them that if you have a question, can you call him/her back?

I do not like rushed bids... that's where a lot of mistakes happen, almost always...

I'll do what I can Clean...in the final go round pricing is your own decision though.

Get the total 'cleanable sq ft'

How many days per week?

Any medical offices? What types of businesses? (Possibly it/they will generate a lot of paper/trash...?)

How much carpet in each building? How much VCT? How much other hard floors?

How many washrooms in each building?

Are there coffee/lunch rooms in each, type of floors?

Are you expected to clean out the refrigerators

Do the buildings have key and or card entry?

Are you bidding on the entire 3 buildings or just part of each (offices)?

Get on a friendly basis with the person from the company and ask questions, any that you can think of; where is the outside dumpster? is it secured by a lock? How many pick ups per week? Etc......

Get all the information that you can....understand the job (period).

AND....ask them that if you have a question, can you call him/her back?

I do not like rushed bids...that's where a lot of mistakes happen, almost always....

Ok Stringer,
Here it is!!

I called her back and she emailed me three proposal requests.. . I also have set up a time tomorrow to look at all three of the locations... so far these are the duties... (I HAVE NOT RECEIVED SQ FOOTAGE YET)

FIRST PROPERTY

IS A "TOWNCENTER"

2 TIMES PER WEEK

Vacuuming and mopping of floors and back stairwells
Clean Entrance lobby clean all 4 restrooms on 1st floor..
Empty trash containers
Remove spots from all carpeted areas if applicable all ceramic tile and resilient folors dust mopped and wet mopped
Clean and polish drinking fountain.


...

Second Building Propsal

"Executive Center"
To perform cleaning services 1 time per week
Vacuuming and moppping floors
Clean entrance lobby
Clean restrooms on first floor, second floor, and lower level
Empty trash containers
Remove spots from all carpeted areas
All ceramic tile and resilient floor areas dust mopped and wet mopped
Clean and polish drinking fountain and elevator

To include 2 offices unit 2A and 2B
______ SAME BUILDING
Second Proposals

For cleaning two offices 2A and 2B 2 time per week





___________________________



"Network Center"

Please provide two proposals...


Propoal for common building area...

Vacuuming and mopping of floors and front and back stairwells
Clean entrance lobby... ALL GLASS
Clean All restrooms and 1st and 2nd floors
Empty all trash
Remove all spots form carpet if applicable
All ceramis tile and resilient floor areas dust mopped and wet mopped
Clean and polish drinking fountain .elevator door


______________same building suite... (office

Vacuumin all offices
Dust /wet mop reception area and kitchen
Empty All trash
Dusting of desks file cabinets and counter tops




That's what I got so far... she Also said that I supply all the paper towel garbage bags and soap etc...

They also want A copy of insurance... LICENSE(which is not required in my town for home offices), and BONDS?

What should I do with the bonds?

Should I go them or wait?? There's 10,000 bond and 20,000 bond right??



AHHHHHHHH I am so excited:cool:

They also left a phone number on the proposal that was not mine
I googled it and it came up to a
CINDYS CLEANING SERVICE?
SHOULD I ASK THE MNGT CO HOW MANY BIDDERS AM I GOING AGAINST?

They also left a phone number on the proposal that wa snot mine
i googled it and it came up to a
CINDYS CLEANING SERVICE?
SHOULD I ASK THE MNGT CO HOW MANY BIDDERS AM I GOING AGAINST?

Yes, ask how many and who they are if they will tell you. I'm sure that with property mgrs there will be at least three including you.

Ok I will be asking tomorrow! Hey did you see what I type don the other page about the proposals they submitted to me...

Ok Stringer,
Here it is!!!!!

I called her back and she emailed me three proposal requests. ..... I also have set up a time tomorrow to look at all three of the locations.... so far these are the duties.....(I HAVE NOT RECEIVED SQ FOOTAGE YET)

FIRST PROPERTY

IS A "TOWNCENTER"

2 TIMES PER WEEK

Vacuuming and mopping of floors and back stairwells
clean Entrance lobby clean all 4 restrooms on 1st floor..
Empty trash containers
Remove spots from all carpeted areas if applicable all ceramic tile and resilient folors dust mopped and wet mopped
clean and polish drinking fountain.


................................

Second Building Propsal

"Executive Center"
To perform cleaning services 1 time per week
vacuuming and moppping floors
clean entrance lobby
clean restrooms on first floor, second floor, and lower level
empty trash containers
remove spots from all carpeted areas
all ceramic tile and resilient floor areas dust mopped and wet mopped
clean and polish drinking fountain and elevator

to include 2 offices unit 2A and 2B
______ SAME BUILDING
Second Proposals

for cleaning two offices 2A and 2B 2 time per week





___________________________



"Network Center"

Please provide two proposals....


Propoal for common building area...

Vacuuming and mopping of floors and front and back stairwells
clean entrance lobby... ALL GLASS
Clean All restrooms and 1st and 2nd floors
empty all trash
remove all spots form carpet if applicable
all ceramis tile and resilient floor areas dust mopped and wet mopped
clean and polish drinking fountain .elevator door


______________same building suite ...(office

vacuumin all offices
dust /wet mop reception area and kitchen
Empty All trash
Dusting of desks file cabinets and counter tops




Thats what I got so far.... she Also said that I supply all the paper towel garbage bags and soap etc......

They also want A copy of insurance... LICENSE(which is not required in my town for home offices), and BONDS??

What should I do with the bonds?

Should i go them or wait???? theres 10,000 bond and 20,000 bond right????



AHHHHHHHH I am so excited:cool:

1. If you get the job, when do you start?

2. Do you have carpet cleaning responsibility? Do you have to strip/scrub and refinish the VCT? Are there any other floors (such as in the foyer/waiting area, ceramic tile)?

3. Get total counts Clean... washrooms, coffee stations, lunchrooms, etc, FOR EACH BLDG.

3. Do you have a source for the consumables? If not you could use Costco, Sam's, etc... cheaper and bulk. This is a tough one. I do not like having to provide these supplies as you have a very difficult time determining how much you need of everything. And you may try going to a jansan distributor for these items. But with this low volume now it may not be worth it, I would use Costco or Sam's.

We really need the square footage Clean... that puts everything into perspective.

The 'Network center" 3rd bldg... how many days per week?

Get all your TOTALS on a per building basis first then total it all later, important.

Do any of these offices have any private washrooms?

I am going to try to scan and send you a questionnaire that we use to ask them some details... hope this works...

We need more info clean, can't give a correct bid only on what we have...

Stringer

The Property Management Contact Did not specify a start date...
The proposals that she has submitted have nothing about stripping or waxing the vct...
I will ask...
I have a costco business membership.. I have also ordered at ULINE in the past... but find them expensive
I also asked her the sq footage and she did not know...
The network center building suite... is once a week...
From the looks of the proposal.. (its the office of the property management co) that called me


She also stated that I need to submit license, insurance and bond... Should I go buy bonds to submit with the proposals?

I am meeting with the manager tomorrow and getting every perspective amount of information from floors to everything

The only carpet cleaning they want at each location is Carpet Spotting... for stains and other small areas of stains

The Property Management Contact Did not specify a start date...
The proposals that she has submitted have nothing about stripping or waxing the vct...
I will ask...
I have a costco business membership.. I have also ordered at ULINE in the past....but find them expensive
I also asked her the sq footage and she did not know...
The network center building suite... is once a week....
from the looks of the proposal.. (its the office of the property management co) that called me


She also stated that I need to submit license, insurance and bond...Should i go buy bonds to submit with the proposals?

I am meeting with the manager tomorrow and getting every perspective amount of information from floors to everything

If she does not have the sq ft then you will have to measure it... yourself tomorrow, on a per bldg basis please. You have to have the sq ft... and she knows this... hmmmmm... unless she is brand new...

Clean, I do not want to put My company's legally protected forms on the internet, I will however email you a copy (2 sheets) if you will PM me your email address. But please do it soon as I have to get to bed... another full day tomorrow again.

Stringer

The Property Management Contact Did not specify a start date...
The proposals that she has submitted have nothing about stripping or waxing the vct...
I will ask...
I have a costco business membership.. I have also ordered at ULINE in the past....but find them expensive
I also asked her the sq footage and she did not know...
The network center building suite... is once a week....
from the looks of the proposal.. (its the office of the property management co) that called me


She also stated that I need to submit license, insurance and bond...Should i go buy bonds to submit with the proposals?

I am meeting with the manager tomorrow and getting every perspective amount of information from floors to everything

You do have liability insurance now... right? Call your issuer and request a 'certificate of insurance' for this bid... ask her tomorrow if they need to be listed as an 'additional insured' on this certificate?

I can't believe that they want a bond for this job. Talk to your insurance company about this too. They can issue you a one time bond... BUT they will need information from you; name of the p.m. company, the total monthly price of this job, etc, talk with them now before too long, this takes time, usually 4 days to a week. They can fax you a copy of the insurance certificate. Please confirm again that they do need a 'bond' for this job...

Buy a 'walker' measure... this is a wheel with a telescopic pole that you roll along and it gives you the total feet in a window, much easier.

I suggest that you sit down and go over all this info and make a list of questions for yourself for tomorrow...don't forget to ask to call again if you have more questions...it is also a good way to get your face in front of them again, always a good thing.

<a href="http://wolfram.org/writing/howto/sell/cold_call.html">How to make Cold Calls</a>

If you can not click and get this, then copy it to your browser (Nice one about cold calling)

Stringer

Stringer-
Ok, So I looked at the potential properties today...
I have considering turning down the third location though...
It is far form my area and is in the ghettoo (glenwood) lol and it is veryyyy small.. 970 sq ft is it possible to turn down the proposal request?
Does it look professional if you do that..?

The other two locations! The first is the actual building of the commercial real estate company that called me...

Ok right now they have some guy come and clean(past two years)... my opinion... He SUX!
I got the sq footage of the office... but not the building
The office they want me to clean is 5010 SQ FT from what they told me... It has one break room with a fridge and sink(very well kept and clean with about 25 sq ft of tile inside that needs to be vacuumed and wet mopped) The office needs basic cleaning ( Dusting file cabinets and windwosills monthly or as when needed) Dusting Desks weekly, and vacuuming and throwing out trash weekly.. There is about 18 small offices within the office and a conference room(wipe conference tab le down with soap and water)... Medium amounts of traffic.. they also want carpet spotting when needed.. *if someone drops a coffe or something) They also want the glass doors going into the main office when needed... They also want me to supply paper towel soap and paper towel and bill them for it... Cleaning crew starts at 4:45PM...
Dumpster is easily accessible right out the door to the back

That's one proposal so far


I still have to measure the main halls which amount to about 30&#37; tile and 70% and carpets.. one elevator... two stairways... two entrances... 4 total washrooms (2 men 2 woman) upper and lower level... ( need to be vacuumed and wet mopped and cleaned) Polish the elevator and water fountains


They kind looked at me weird when I was asking them questions...
I think it because they are use to the single owned guy that comes and cleans their building currently...

She also said whoever they pick to clean their office... if they do a good job.. their company will supply my company with constant business... which makes me want to win the bid...
She also said they will be accepting the best and cheapest price...
I will be going against 3 different companies...
Can I win this!! I know I can!!

Stringer-
Ok, So i looked at the potential properties today...
I have considering turning down the third location though...
It is far form my area and is in the ghettoo (glenwood) lol and it is veryyyy small.. 970 sq ft is it possible to turn down the proposal request?
Does it look professional if you do that..??

The other two locations! the first is the actual building of the commercial real estate company that called me...

Ok right now they have some guy come and clean(past two years)... my opinion...He SUX!
I got the sq footage of the office ...but not the building
The office they want me to clean is 5010 SQ FT from what they told me ... It has one break room with a fridge and sink(very well kept and clean with about 25 sq ft of tile inside that needs to be vacuumed and wet mopped) The office needs basic cleaning ( Dusting file cabinets and windwosills monthly or as when needed) Dusting Desks weekly, and vacuuming and throwing out trash weekly.. There is about 18 small offices within the office and a conference room(wipe conference tab le down with soap and water).... Medium amounts of traffic .. they also want carpet spotting when needed..*if someone drops a coffe or something) They also want the glass doors going into the main office when needed... They also want me to supply paper towel soap and paper towel and bill them for it..... Cleaning crew starts at 4:45PM....
Dumpster is easily accessible right out the door to the back

Thats one proposal so far


I still have to measure the main halls which amount to about 30&#37; tile and 70% and carpets.. one elevator... two stairways.... two entrances .... 4 total washrooms (2 men 2 woman) upper and lower level... ( need to be vacuumed and wet mopped and cleaned) Polish the elevator and water fountains


They kind looked at me weird when i was asking them questions...
i think it because they are use to the single owned guy that comes and cleans their building currently....

She also said whoever they pick to clean their office ...if they do a good job.. their company will supply my company with constant business...which makes me want to win the bid...
She also said they will be accepting the best and cheapest price...
I will be going against 3 different companies........
Can I win this!!!!!! I know I can!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is late again Clean, I have had my nose to the grindstone a lot lately and have been going for 10 to 12 hours/day... I am in need of new business also... I am going to Indiana again tomorrow... Some of the areas down there are very sparse...

May be going after the hospital in Calument City... We'll see...


Ok... when is the bid due back to them?

Do you need a bond?

She is using the typical line that P. M.'s use... 'The best and 'cheapest... ' Right, she is going to take the lowest price unless something terrible is wrong with the company that is cheapest...

I told you some time ago that I do not like dealing with P. M.'s... they are a strange breed... not much 'truth comes forward'... Purchase a lead cup but expect it to be turned to gold... anyway that's just me, I respect truth and ethics...

Do me a favor, get all the info together in outline form; I need this (you need this) in a clear outline to price it accordingly and correctly. You should always break down all the information so that you have it and so that you understand it and don't miss something.

Example;

Building # 1 (Name)

Total cleanable sq ft?

# of days per week

# of washrooms

Total sq ft of carpet

Total sq ft of VCT

Etc, etc...


Building # 2 (Name)

All pertinent info (same)

Then let's forget about # 3...

I don't know what they will do if you decide not to bid # 3... it could be a factor in not getting the total job. All you can do is ask her if it matters... how are you going to explain why you don't want to bid it?

Nice that you can bill for the consumable supplies instead of having to guess and include it in you monthly price... that will be easier..

Please get ALL this info together asap... again, I ask, when is the bid due Clean..

You can get any job that you want... making a profit is not always guaranteed... and THAT is important/vital, obviously.

Please respond as soon as you can... night for now...

Stringer

OK I apologize for that ! I am going to get that measurement tool tomorrow to get the rest of the square footage for the main lobby of the building... Where did you say I can buy one of those??

I will out line everything for you in a word document... and if email you it.. if that is all right with you...
I asked about the bond and she said it is not required... only liability insurance is required...

I believe what you mean about the cup!

Hehe if I do get this job... I believe it will lead into more jobs and more oppurtunities through this commercial real estate company... so I want to submit a fair bid for it... so I am willing to sacrifice... Plus

Hi, Cleaningman23!

I'm here right now! You could attach a Word document to a post here rather than email it.

Thanks!

OK I apologize for that ! I am going to get that measurement tool tomorrow to get the rest of the square footage for the main lobby of the building...Where did you say I can buy one of those???

I will out line everything for you in a word document... and if email you it .. if that is alright with you...
I asked about the bond and she said it is not required...only liability insurance is required...

I believe what you mean about the cup!

hehe if I do get this job... i believe it will lead into more jobs and more oppurtunities through this commercial real estate company...so I want to submit a fair bid for it... so i am willing to sacrifice... Plus

Once you set your price... it will be difficult to go back later with a better one.

When is the bid due Clean?

A janitorial distributor, there are some in your area.. start to build a rapport with them, you will need their help down the road; supplies, chemicals, seminars, etc... Always pay them on time or before due.


Please put your information on here as it may help others later if they are looking for this type of material. That is the reason that we are on here and devote so much time to it, to help people.

Stringer

Yes, once you set a price, it's best to stick to it.

Thanks!

Hi, Cleaningman23!

I'm here right now! You could attach a Word document to a post here rather than email it.

Thanks!

Hi Clough, yes I didn't see your post and I said the same thing... :)


Night guys... I like playing boss much more than 10 to 12 hour days... (sigh)... getting a little too old for this. But, to be honest, I wouldn't do anything else but this even if I had a chance to...

But I am thinking of starting something else up also... (Tell you later... )

Why can't I give you a rating Clough, it has been some time now since the last one?

Stringer

Hi clough!
I apologize I thought I gave you guys the bid due date!
It is MONDAY!
And the Contract begins July 1st...
I will look up a janitorial supplier and check with the ones in my area...
Im off to go clean some houses today w00t
Ill be on later guys!
Thanks for all the help!

I'm on now, Cleaningman23!

Thanks!

HI CLOUGH!
I am on now!
I was very tired last nigh! I apologize!
I had work at 8 am this morning!
How is your weekend Going For you?

Hi stringer!
My deadline for my bid is this Monday!
Two Days!
I am excited ! Yet optimistic!
Here's all the info I got!

Commercial Cleaning Outlines for Proposals
Once a week Cleaning
Contract Proposal #1
Network Building
___________________________________
Total Cleanable Sq footage = 2,902Sq Feet
Tile Sq Footage = 1,584 Sq ft
Carpeted Area = 1,318 Sq ft
___________________________________
Bathrooms in Building = 4
Elevators = 1
Stairways = 2
Entrances = 1 main , 1 side
Levels= 2 floors
________________________________________
Duties
1) Vacuuming and mopping all floors carpet and tile
2) Clean inside glass of entrances of building when needed
3)Empty Trash in Bathrooms and near water fountain
4)Remove Carpet Spots when if/needed(spotting)
5) All Ceramic Residual Tiles Dust Mopped and Wet Mopped
6)Clean and Polish Drinking Fountains(2)+Elevator(1)
7) Clean Washrooms on 1st and 2nd floors (4)





Cleaning Proposal #2
(Network Building) Once a week Cleaning
Suite105
Total Sq footage = 5010 Sq Feet
Carpet =4,950 Sq Feet
Tile= 60 Square Feet
_________________________________
(17) offices within Suite
(1) Conference Room
Medium Traffic
Light Paper Load
(1) Computer Each Office
_________________________________
Duties
1)Empty All Trash
2) Dust Desks Weekly
3)Dust File Cabinets Monthly/When Needed
4) Vacuum All Office
5) Clean Entrance Windows When Needed
6) Clean to glass to entrance of (17) offices
7) Dust + Vacuum and Mop Kitchen/Coffee Room (60 Sq FT)
8) Dust Logo When Needed






Contract Proposal 3
Vollmer Executive Suite ( Once A week Cleaning)
Suites 2A and 2B
Common Maintenance
Of Building
(3) Floors-Levels, (6) Bathrooms
____________________________
Common Area
Tile = 1,223 Sq Ft
Carpet = 1,259 Sq Ft
Total = 2,482 sq Ft
_____________________
Suites
2A = 2,508 Sq Ft
2B = 905 sq ft
1)Vacuum
2) Empty Trash
3) Dust Desks weekly/when needed
________________________________
Main Building Duties
1) Vacuum/Mop all Floors
2) Clean, Vacuum, and Mop all Restrooms
3) Empty Trash in all common areas and bathrooms
4)Remove all Carpet Spots/Stains when needed
5) All ceramic tiles Dust mopped and wet mopped
6) Polish and Clean Drinking Fountains and Elevator
7) Clean Entrance Glass Inside of Building When Needed

Hi, Cleaningman23!

Weekend is going okay, so far! How is yours going? I've picked up some new business and also lost a job because of a misunderstanding.

If you check out the first answer page of the site, we're having a battle with a troll here!

He started it by trying to bash Fr_Chuck...

I do have to get ready to play for church in the morning, just to let you know...

Thanks!

Mine is going well too! I was real busy this week!
What battle!
Its time to step in!
Me to I also have church! But not until noon!
I have this proposal due Monday so I am real nervous

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

We're having problems with a member by the name of userfame.

Well, you could still work on the proposal some tonight. I have to be at the church by 10:00, but I haven't been sleeping particularly well for a number of nights.

I haven't seen Stringer around here today. But, you know that he really cares and will be willing to help you with your proposal.

Do you have the proposal in the kind of format that you think they will want?

Thanks!

Well
I have proposal sheets already printed up.. I just have to filling the info.
I have talked to stringer and he said he will help me out tomorrow!
Thank God!
I still have a few questions about the proposal to ask him!
So well see what happens!
But I think I am hitting the bed for the night.. I drank a few guinesses and I am beat!
Will you be on tomorrow to char?

Chat hehe

Yes, I'll be on tomorrow night. I'm sure that you'll do fine with the proposal!

I love Guinness Stout, by-the-way!

How many pages is your proposal going to be, please?

Thanks!

I'm going to "call it a night", also, Cleaningman23! I've got to be ready to lead the congregation in singing tomorrow.

I wish you well and sweet dreams for you!

Good night!

Well
I have proposal sheets already printed up..i just have to fillin the info.!
I have talked to stringer and he said he will help me out tomorrow!
Thank God!
I still have a few questions about the proposal to ask him!
so well see what happens!
But I think I am hittin the bed for the night..i drank a few guinesses and I am beat!
will you be on tomorrow to char?

Clean... .please list your questions in a post so I can see them prior to working up a price.

Also, please post your proposal form....

Thanks,

Stringer

If your proposal is in a Microsoft Word or Excel format, you should be able to attach it to a post here.

Thanks!

If your proposal is in a Microsoft Word or Excel format, you should be able to attach it to a post here.

Thanks!

HI my friend,

Yes that should work Clough... I want to ensure that he covers his *ss in his pricing and protects himself in his proposal/contract. I know how these things can get if the slightest thing goes wrong... and the customer presses it...

For example; if one of my people break something and it can be proven, we will obviously make restitution. But so many times, things are lost, misplaced, or even taken by another of the client's employee...

I put in my proposal;

"We shall make reasonable and prompt restitution by cash in the amount of replacement value, replacement, or repairs, subject to your approval for any damages for which we are liable."

The key is,it has to be proven that we are liable. Why would I pay for something when I was not completely sure that we did it? If there is proof, I will gladly make immediate restitution. I get calls many times a week; someone took my shoes that were under my desk... someone took a valuable pen off my desk, someone broke a vase that was on my desk... Clough, I can't tell you how many times the items were found at their homes, in a drawer, or another worker finally says that they broke something... If on of my people is found to be guilty, I press the matter to no end and terminate immediately and press charges if necessary also, for many reasons but mostly to set an example.

Thanks for letting me ramble on so... not happy tonight... got two tickets; illegal lane change and improper lane usage... he took my license and I have a court date on July 9th. I deserved it, some jack*ss p*ssed me off totally tonight and I wasn't going to take it... but the state cop caught me. He said that he could get me for speeding and road rage and I would spend the night in a cell, but he didn't do that... it was my fault though, I deserved what I got. :(

Stringer